Auto Switches — Passage of a first-in-the-nation law to require automakers to fund a system to collect and recycle mercury switches from old cars before they are scrapped — a U.S. precedent for manufacturer responsibility to take back products at the end of their useful life.

Thermostats — Maine became the third state in the country to phase out the sale of mercury thermostats for commercial and residential use, effective Jan. 1, 2006.

Phase-Out — By January 1, 2003, Maine Department of Environmental Protection must report to the Legislature with further recommendation for minimizing mercury releases through expanded product phase-out and improved collection.

Maine Coalition Members
• Congress of Lake Associations
• Friends of Merrymeeting Bay
• Lakes Environmental Association
• Learning Disabilities Association of Maine
• Maine Audubon Society
• Maine Children's Alliance
• Maine Labor Group on Health
• Maine Midwives Association
• Maine People's Alliance
• Maine Public Health Association
• Maine State Nurses Association
• Maine Toxics Action Coalition
• Maine Women's Lobby
• Natural Resources Council of Maine
• Physicians for Social Responsibility
• Toxic Action Center

National & Business Allies on the Auto Switch 'Take Back'
• Automobile Recycling Association
• Clean Car Campaign
• Ecology Center
• Environmental Defense
• Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
• Mercury Policy Project
• Steel Manufacturers Association
• Steel Recycling Institute

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