A newly published 2005 study of lead-free transition in the US electronics industry has made a series of recommendations for a future policy framework.  A number of recommendations call for a more integrated and balanced approach in designing new lead-free legislative initiatives.

The study from University of California and San Jose State University uses results from a survey of in 2005. 109 responses were received from a broad spectrum of companies including OEM's and EMS, as well as research organisations and consultants.

By 2005 70% of respondents had already adopted lead-free solder for electronic or electrical products in response to international initiatives.

The report summarises the environmental case for substitution of lead and constructs models and scenarios for tradeoffs of the various impacts. These were used to evaluate respondents value systems in making decisions about implementation. Health, biodiversity, resource depletion and price were assessed. The outstanding priority of respondents was human health, with SnPb being 'by far' the worst candidate amongst alloy choices.

The same type of analysis for 13 technical factors show that solderability and reliability are a priority whereas in fact environmental performance and low material cost are the least important.

In relation to business strategy the probability of adoption increases by 65% for EMS companies and 24% for OEM's. OEM's are under some pressure to comply with the EU RoHS Directive but EMS companies are more progressive because of a greater need to export their services to the international market. Smaller companies are just as active in conversion as larger ones. Membership of trade organisations, including ITRI\Soldertec, increases the probability of adoption - by 39% in the case of SMTA.

Recommendations from the study call for:

- A more balanced and scientific approach to environmental impact assessments

- An informational campaign to disseminate knowledge and stimulate industry action, backed by a decision support information system

- Industry and government participation in resolving key technical issues

- A business perspective based on opportunity for strategic benefit and not just compliance or market-share

- An interdisciplinary approach combining environmental, technicla and business aspects.

Various US states have legislative initiatives to regulate lead in electronics - a status list from August 2009 has been published by Farnell here. A 'US RoHS' Federal Bill HR 2420 was introduced in May 2009 and is still in Committee.