U.S. EPA, the automotive industry, and states signed agreement to reduce use of copper and other materials in motor vehicle brake pads. Copper-Free Brake Initiative calls for cutting copper in brake pads to less than 5% by 2021 and 0.5% by 2025. Voluntary initiative also calls for cutting amount of mercury, lead, cadmium, asbestiform fibers, and chromium-6 salts in brake pads. These steps will decrease runoff of these materials from roads into nation’s streams, rivers and lakes.