North Carolina Launches Online Permit Tracking System
An online tracking system for environmental permits has been launched by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). Pending applications can be searched by the general public. During the first phase, information on 25 permit types will be available; including air quality permits for minor and major sources, as well as stormwater permits. To access this database, visit the online permit tracker. For more information, contact SGIA’s Government Information department.
President Obama Issues Memorandum on Sustainable Product Procurement
On Feb. 21st, President Obama issued a President Memorandum, Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural American through Biobased and Sustainable Product Production. The goal of this memorandum is to ensure that executive departments and agencies execute Federal procurement requirements for biobased products. The memorandum recognizes that the majority of firms, both manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, are small businesses and directs the US Department of Commerce to improve the performance and competitiveness of biobased product manufacturers. For more information or a copy of this Presidential Memorandum, please contact Marci Kinter at marcik@sgia.org.
Working with Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment
SGIA is working with Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to develop a more streamlined approach to obtaining an air permit. Under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry Program, a registration program will be put in place to allow screen and digital printing operations businesses to register with the ministry, rather than apply for an approval. Currently, all facilities must obtain a certificate of approval, which can be both burdensome and expensive. It is anticipated that this registry program will be available by end of 2012. SGIA will update this site as more details become available.
Environment Canada’s Printing and Inks Working Group Meets
As a member of the Environment Canada’s working group, Marci Kinter, SGIA’s Vice President – Government and Business Information, participated in the February meeting. The objective of this working group is to exchange information with the printing and ink stakeholders on various environmental issues facing Environment Canada, including the Chemical Management Plan and federal actions regarding possible VOC reduction strategies.
The working group serves as the primary information source for the exchange of technical information on risk management approaches as well as the point of contact for the development of any national strategy for reducing VOCs from the printing and publishing industry operating in Canada. For more information on this working group, contact Marci Kinter at
marcik@sgia.org.
