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November 2004

Governor Vetoes Bill on Rubberized Asphalt

Sacramento, CA— Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a key piece of proposed legislation recently that would have required the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to increase its use of rubberized asphalt made from recycled scrap tires. Assembly Bill 338 could have increased the number of tires the state recycled by as much as 3 million to 5 million annually, according to Mark Murray, executive director of Californians Against Waste, an environmental organization there.

Murray said the state generates more than 33 million scrap tires per year.

The bill would have required CalTrans to use asphalt made from crumb rubber generated in the U.S. in lieu of other materials.

“While I am supportive of the overall policy of this bill, I am concerned that ... limiting the product to those of U.S. origin only may violate various trade agreements,” said Schwarzenegger in his veto. “In addition, this bill may invite sanctions from other nations against products produced in California.”

The governor encouraged the author of the bill, California Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, to revisit the issue and work with state agencies to find appropriate language that would avoid any potential legal challenges.