California wants to ban chrome plating

Look away classic car lovers, the American state of California has proposed a ban on chrome plating in the name of climate change.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has suggested tightening the regulations around plating things like vehicle parts in chrome due to the amount of emissions the process emits.

To achieve that mirror-like like shine, chrome plating uses a chemical called hexavalent chromium which is said to release over 500-times more toxic emissions than a diesel engine.

According to Hemmings, if the ban is passed, the process would be outlawed by 2027 along with all industrial uses like chrome acid anodizing and anti-corrosive coatings.

California Communities Against Toxics (CCAT) says it will help the industry try and find alternative coatings.

Car restoration companies would no doubt suffer from the ban, likely having to source their plating needs from outside of the state.

A final decision on the proposal will be made in May 2023 while a public hearing will be held this week.