ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 261

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 12, 2016

      The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 261.

      This bill would prohibit the installation and sale of wheel weights containing lead and mercury, and the sale of new motor vehicles equipped with wheel weights containing lead or mercury.

      Specifically, the bill would prohibit:  (1) the installation on any motor vehicle of a wheel weight that contains lead or mercury that was intentionally added during the manufacturing process; (2) the sale or offering for sale of a wheel weight that contains intentionally-added lead and mercury; and (3) the sale of a new motor vehicle equipped with a wheel weight that contains intentionally-added lead or mercury.  The bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a public education program about these prohibitions.  The prohibitions would take effect on the 180th day after the bill is enacted into law.

      The bill would also grant the DEP authority to enter, during normal business hours, and upon presentation of appropriate credentials, any retail establishment at which wheel weights are used or sold, and any new car dealer, in order to determine compliance.

      Under the bill, a person who violates this bill would be subject to a penalty of up to $2,500 for each offense.  The bill would also allow the DEP to seek an injunction against a violator. 

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2016-2017 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.