1. North Carolina’s Mercury Switch Removal Program History of events for legislation of the MSR Plan, Program & Law

2. Factors & Plan Progression Eastern estuaries of North Carolina have experienced a decline in aquatic life in recent years (sets the stage).

3. Factors & Plan Progression NUCOR Steel (scrap steel consumer) is concerned with meeting air quality standards for mercury emissions with the present quality of the scrap metal feed stock.

4. Factors & Plan Progression NUCOR Steel lobbies the NC Legislature for the removal of automotive mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles prior to any scrap processing.

5. Factors & Plan Progression NC House Bill is introduced proposing a Mercury Switch Removal Program similar to Maine’s Program – $1 per switch to be paid to the auto salvage processors by the auto manufacturers.

6. Factors & Plan Progression CAR (Carolina Auto Recyclers Association) and local scrap metal processors through their nationally associated lobby argue for larger reimbursement payment to induce more effective compliance with the Mercury Switch Removal Program – Arkansas’ $5 per switch is adopted, to be paid by the auto manufacturers.

7. Factors & Plan Progression FreightLiner (a Chrysler-Daimler company with a large truck manufacturing plant located in NC) lobbies against auto manufacturers paying for the Mercury Switch Removal Program. NC Legislature changes funding; –NC DOT fee increase in vehicle titling.

8. Factors & Plan Progression NC DENR (Hazardous Waste Compliance) assigned to develop and administer the Mercury Switch Removal Program. Plan and Program may be amended by the Legislature & DENR as DWM was not involved during formation of HB 1136.