Clark County, Nev., home of Las Vegas, received an award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for eliminating the use of lead wheel weights from its automotive fleet.
"Clark County is a leader in implementing programs and practices that promote a clean, green environment," says Clark County Commission Chair Susan Brager. "We applaud our Automotive Division's efforts to eliminate lead from use in our fleet."
When planning the replacement program as a participant of the EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP), Clark County considered using zinc or coated steel as a suitable replacement material. The county says it decided on zinc wheel weights, as the cost difference was minimal in comparison to lead wheel weights.
Clark County began the transition in 2009 by switching their purchases to zinc wheel weights. Clark County eliminated 1,404 pounds of lead wheel weights from the fleet by the end of August 2010.
“When fleets of this size complete a transition to a non-lead material, they should be recognized for their efforts. Clark County chose to switch their 2,700 vehicles from lead to zinc wheel weights, and the EPA award is a well-deserved honor,” says Gregory Parker, marketing manager for Perfect Equipment Inc., manufacturer of zinc and steel wheel weights.
