NEMA Environmental Stewardship Initiative
In 2006, the electroindustry through NEMA announced a voluntary, industry-wide commitment known as the NEMA “Call to Action” to achieve the elimination or reduction of six substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in many NEMA member products by July 2010 on a global basis. This commitment reflects standards originally enacted in European markets under the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, but NEMA members chose to extend their compliance with the standard to all markets in which electroindustry products are sold. The “Call to Action” initiative also includes a second phase to identify further product stewardship measures, such as additional hazardous materials reductions and recycling programs. The goal is to have those additional initiatives in place by July 2014.
H.R. 2420, Environmental Design of Electrical Equipment Act ("EDEE Act")
With the input of the electroindustry and NEMA members, legislation was drafted to codify the industry’s 2010 commitment for the initial RoHS substances into U.S. federal law. After significant work and outreach to Capitol Hill, H.R. 2420, the Environmental Design of Electrical Equipment Act of 2009 (the “EDEE Act”), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX) on May 14, 2009. To urge your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2420, please click here. NEMA continues to work to secure the introduction of a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
European Union
Waste in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Energy Using Products (EuP)
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restrictions of Chemicals (REACH)
United States
NEMA Section Position Statements
Batteries
Lamps
Thermostats
Steel Rigid Conduit
Imaging and Therapy Systems
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