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No topic inference: each bill number appears in source LDA issue text assigned to this lobbyist.
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
Specific issues are shown only where the LDA source assigned them to this lobbyist. Targets apply to the associated filing.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS via NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
2020 · second_quarter · Q2
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. For any additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Source: Senate LDA
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
ETO is Toxic Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
ETO is Toxic Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
ETO is Toxic Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
ETO is Toxic Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
DRIVE-Safe Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
2019/2020 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
DRIVE-Safe Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. For any additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
DRIVE-Safe Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
2019/2020 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
DRIVE-Safe Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Import Tax Relief Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Import Tax Relief Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Import Tax Relief Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Import Tax Relief Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
PFAS Detection Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
PFAS Detection Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
PFAS Detection Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
PFAS Detection Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Moving Forward Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. For any upcoming coronavirs emergency relief package, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Moving Forward Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Moving Forward Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. For any additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of an extension to the CFATS program's expiration date - ultimately, the legislation extended the program's expiration date by 3-months and 5-days to July 23, 2020. Also, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against the inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any additional coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief pacage. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. NACD lobbied against the inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. NACD lobbied against the inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Modern Worker Empowerment Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Modern Worker Empowerment Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
PFAS Action Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
PFAS Action Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
PFAS Action Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
PFAS Action Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any additional coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief pacage. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions.
CARES Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
CARES Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
PFAS Registry Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any additional coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief pacage. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions.
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
A bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
A bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions.
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any additional coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief pacage. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics (EtO is Toxic) Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics (EtO is Toxic) Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics (EtO is Toxic) Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics (EtO is Toxic) Act of 2019
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise certain ethylene oxide emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Client: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS · Firm: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
In any additional coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief pacage. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. HSGAC Chairtman Johnson also introduced S. 4096, a bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. This legislation would provide a clean, 3-year extension of the CFATS program's expiration date. NACD supports this legislation and advocated for its passage.
Moving Forward Act - In the House Democratic infrastructure proposal, NACD lobbied for general infrastructure improvements paired with revenue-stabilizing measures in addition to small changes to existing transportation law. NACD advocated for inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act language into HR2 as well as changes proposed to the Hazmat title to clarify the status of goods in rail containers. NACD opposes the change to increase the minimum commercial motor vehicle insurance from $750,000 to $2,000,000. For any upcoming coronavirs emergency relief package, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. In any upcoming coronavirus response package, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD supported loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in any upcoming package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, any future coronavirus emergency relief bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
In advance of an additional coronavirus emergency relief package, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD offered support and advocated for inclusion of loan forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers under $150,000. On June 30, 2020, Senator Kevin Kramer introduced S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill that would modify loan forgiveness under PPP by providing automatic forgiveness of PPP loans that are not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. NACD supports and advocated for the passage of S. 4117 or inclusion of its text in any coronavirus emergency relief package. Maintaining Standard Business Deductions - When Congress passed the CARES Act earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service took the step of determining that companies that use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to cover normally deductible expenses would no longer be able to do so. NACD, like much of congress, opposes the IRS decision on the grounds that it largely weakens the impact of the aid. NACD supports measures such as HR6754 and S3612 that would restore these standard business deductions.
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. NACD continued to advocate for business relief measures to be included as part of the text in any upcoming coronavirus emergency relief package including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Surface Transportation Board (STB)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS via NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
2020 · first_quarter · Q1
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program was set to expire on April 18, 2020, at the beginning of the calendar year. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years in addition to comprehensive changes to the program that NACD opposed. On March 5, 2020, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 3416, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2020. S. 3416 would extend the CFATS program for 5-years while also making comprehensive changes to the program in the areas of labor representation, information sharing, and whistleblower protections. NACD remained neutral on the legislation while seeking minor changes to the language in the issue areas above. On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748 became Public Law Number 116-136 following its passage through the Senate on March 25, 2020, and through the House of Representatives on March 27, 2020. NACD was supportive of this legislation. Specifically, NACD advocated for and was supportive of the inclusion of a 3-month and 5-day of the CFATS program expiration date. Effectively moving the program's expiration date from April 18, 2020, to July 23, 2020. While NACD would have preferred a longer-term extension or comprehensive reauthorization, NACD advocated foremost for Congress to not risk the program expiring while the U.S. and the world are dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. NACD lobbied against the inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals.
2019/2020 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. NACD lobbied against the inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
2019/2020 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of an extension to the CFATS program's expiration date - ultimately, the legislation extended the program's expiration date by 3-months and 5-days to July 23, 2020. Also, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against the inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
2019/2020 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Opposition to H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and awaiting a full House vote in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill. Families First Coronavirus Response Act - In the second Coronavirus response package, or FFCRA, NACD lobbied for business relief measures to be included as part of the text including tariff eliminations or deferrals. Additionally, NACD was supportive of the loan forgiveness feature covering payroll expenses for paid sick and family medical leave time. CARES Act - In the third Coronavirus response package, or CARES, NACD again lobbied for tariff relief and other business support measures. NACD was supportive of the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, NACD advocated for the inclusion of the Senates infrastructure language in this package. NACD lobbied against inclusion of HR 397, otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, in the final bill as the bill does not address the underlying structural issues of the multiemployer pension crisis.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Surface Transportation Board (STB)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS via NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS
2019 · fourth_quarter · Q4
2019 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Support of legislation championed by Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), S. 1507, the PFAS Release Disclosure Act, was considered in committee and simultaneously filed as an amendment to S. 1790, the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was headed to the Senate floor the following week. The bipartisan Senate PFAS package would require a wide variety of actions by various federal agencies, but nothing of great concern. S. 1790 was passed by the Senate June 27, 2019, by a recorded vote of 86-8. Legislation in opposition of the Houses version of the NDAA, H.R. 2500, passed the House July 12, 2019, by a recorded vote of 220-197. The final bill contains PFAS provisions similar to those in the Senate bill, but with some significant differences. Most notably, the House approved an amendment offered by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI), requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to list all PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The hazardous substance issue is important and controversial because of its liability implications. Advocated against S.1790 provisions surrounding the inclusion of adding PFAS chemicals as a class under EPA's CERCLA. H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected early in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility.
Legislation surrounding the regulation of PFAS chemicals. Including that the federal government should implement a consistent approach for assessing and regulating specific PFAS with clear timelines, regulations should be based on sound science, specific PFAS compounds should be regulated based on risk to protect human health and the environment, PFAS chemistries should be regulated independently - not as a single group, and Congress should provide regulatory agencies with the proper oversight and funding necessary to evaluate and address specific priority PFAS. Bills include H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), S. 638 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D), S. 950 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), H.R. 1976 - PFAS Detection Act - introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D), S.1105 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Jeanne Shaheen (D), H.R. 2195 - PFAS Registry Act - introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas (D), S.675 - Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (D), and H.R. 1567- Prompt and Fast Action to Stop Damages Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D). Support of legislation championed by Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), S. 1507, the PFAS Release Disclosure Act, was considered in committee and simultaneously filed as an amendment to S. 1790, the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was headed to the Senate floor the following week. The bipartisan Senate PFAS package would require a wide variety of actions by various federal agencies, but nothing of great concern. S. 1790 was passed by the Senate June 27, 2019, by a recorded vote of 86-8. Legislation in opposition of the Houses version of the NDAA, H.R. 2500, passed the House July 12, 2019, by a recorded vote of 220-197. The final bill contains PFAS provisions similar to those in the Senate bill, but with some significant differences. Most notably, the House approved an amendment offered by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI), requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to list all PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The hazardous substance issue is important and controversial because of its liability implications. Advocated against S.1790 provisions surrounding the inclusion of adding PFAS chemicals as a class under EPA's CERCLA. H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 - introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 535 in November 2019 by a vote of 31 - 19 and a full House vote is expected early in 2020. Legislation surrounding the regulation of ethylene oxide. Opposition to companion bills H.R.1152 - no title - introduced by Reps. Schneider (D), Lipinski (D), Foster (D), Casten (D), and Underwood (D) and S.458. - no title - introduced by Sens. Durbin (D-IL) & Duckworth (D-IL). These bills require the Environmental Protection Agency to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide. These bills also require revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. Lastly, these bills he EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification. Additionally, opposition to H.R. 1165 (introduced by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)) and S. 451 (introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics Act of 2019 or the ETO is Toxic Act. This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do an additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program that expires April 18, 2020. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years.
Legislation surrounding the reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Securitys CFATS program that expires April 18, 2020. On June 13, 2019, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019, along with original cosponsor Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). NACD remained neutral on the legislation. H.R. 3256 would reauthorize the CFATS program for five years.NACD continues to work closely with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the continued viability of the CFATS program without interruption and to promote a multi-year reauthorization that includes the establishment of a CFATS Recognition Program. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)- HR 3719, the CTPAT Reauthorization Act of 2019, was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins on July 11, 2019. When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry - and therefore speeding up the process. NACD Supports reauthorization of the CTPAT program.
China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Re authorization - The International Trade Commission's Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Program expires at the end of 2020. No legislation has been introduced yet. NACD supports authorization of the program that exempts or reduces tariffs on miscellaneous goods. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting several country reviews that jeopardize the original intent of the program. The Trump administration is not planning to follow the statutory 60-day termination notice requirement for partial country suspensions, which can kill businesses overnight. A removal decision has been made on India and Turkey based on failure to resolve access issues even though India agreed to 80% of U.S. demands. Decisions could take effect on May 4, 2019. NACD urges Congress to request USTR to delay GSP removal on India and Turkey. China Section 301 tariffs - USTR has implemented three China import tariff lists. List 1 and 2 remain in effect, and List 3 has been projected to go from 10% to 25%, but President Trump has twice postponed as the U.S. and China continue trade talks. NACD supports legislation by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) who have introduced the Import Tax Relief Act (H.R 1452, S. 577), which directs USTR to provide a tariff exclusion process for tranche 3 301 tariffs. NACD supports The Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R. 940, S. 287), legislation that withdraws tariff authority from the executive branch and returns it to Congress, has also been introduced by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - All three countries signed the new NAFTA 2.0 November 30, 2018. Congressional approval is required for the new USMCA. The International Trade Commission was expected to release its USMCA economic impact findings report on April 19, 2019. NACD supported passage of USMCA when the clock started for Congress to have 90 congressional calendar days to respond. NACD supported the passage of the compromised USMCA trade deal in the House and Senate. H.R. 940/ S. 287 - Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes amending the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval before the president adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security. Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. U.S. business and agriculture communities are deeply concerned that the presidents unrestricted imposition of tariffs may not be in the national interest. NACD supports this legislation. S. 899 /H.R. 3477- Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019: This legislation proposes to limit the authority of the president to modify duty rates for national security reasons and to limit the authority of the United States Trade Representative to impose certain duties or import restrictions and for other purposes.NACD supports this legislation.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) - Support of legislation championed by Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), S. 1507, the PFAS Release Disclosure Act, was considered in committee and simultaneously filed as an amendment to S. 1790, the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was headed to the Senate floor the following week. The bipartisan Senate PFAS package would require a wide variety of actions by various federal agencies, but nothing of great concern. S. 1790 was passed by the Senate June 27, 2019, by a recorded vote of 86-8. Legislation in opposition of the Houses version of the NDAA, H.R. 2500, passed the House July 12, 2019, by a recorded vote of 220-197. The final bill contains PFAS provisions similar to those in the Senate bill, but with some significant differences. Most notably, the House approved an amendment offered by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI), requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to list all PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The hazardous substance issue is important and controversial because of its liability implications. Advocated against S.1790 provisions surrounding the inclusion of adding PFAS chemicals as a class under EPA's CERCLA.
2019 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges.
2019 Infrastructure Package - Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump have all expressed support for passing an infrastructure bill in 2019/2020. NACD supports bipartisan legislative efforts to reform our aging transportation infrastructure, specifically rail systems, highways, and bridges. Rail Reform - In 2015, Congress passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act to reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The bill expanded the STB from three to five board members, whom the president appoints and Congress approves. NACD asks Congress to encourage the administration to expedite the STB confirmation process for greater preparation in addressing rail customer concerns. Patrick Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since been nominated and confirmed by Congress and are serving on the STB. The White House is reprocessing Michelle Schultzs paperwork for re-nomination, and Senate Democrats are starting to review potential democratic candidates to recommend to the White House. Congress must reauthorize the STB before it expires in 2020. Hearings were held in late-2019. Support of the DRIVE-Safe Act - On February 26, 2019, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (H.R. 1374) was introduced in the House by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) also introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 569). Currently, 48 states allow individuals to obtain commercial driver licenses at age 18; however, those states prohibit drivers until they are 21 from moving goods across state lines. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.
HR 397 - Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act - Otherwise known as the Butch-Lewis Act, this serves as the Democrats solution to the Multiemployer Pension Solvency Crisis by creating a new administration within the Treasury Department to issue loans to plans with (a) critical and declining, (b) critical, or (c) insolvent status. While generally supporting an immediate resolution the crisis as well as moving debate to the Senate, NACD is in opposition to bills that do not address underlying structural issues impacting Multiemployer pensions. HR 4069 - Modern Worker Empowerment Act - H.R. 4069 would bring the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into the 21st century by updating the definition of employee, conforming the definition of employee with other New Deal era statutes that already apply a common-law definition for the term, and reconciling the FLSA with more recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. HR2474/S1306 - PRO Act or Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 - The bill, among several different provisions, would (a) force companies to turn over personally identifying information such as addresses, contact information, and shift information on employees to unions, (b) shorten the amount of time businesses would have to prepare for union certifying elections (c) modify the tests for independent-contractor and joint-employer to definitions not consistent with current employment trends, and make many other changes to labor and employment law that would be better debated individually. NACD is in opposition to this bill.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Surface Transportation Board (STB)