Advocacy

This bill requires manufacturers to disclose the use of chemicals in children's products and requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to make this information available to consumers. Read more here!

The comments submitted by the US Chamber of Commerce, that were cosigned by SGIA, urged EPA to only add any more PFAS chemicals on an individual basis and not add them as a category. The comments also requested EPA to review the 160 PFAS chemicals added as a result of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to ensure they meet the criteria for chemicals to be reported, among other things. Click here to read more.

EPA/Corps issued their final rule revising the definition of the “Waters of the United States,” (WOTUS). The January 2020 rule establishes which bodies of water that are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The regulation of WOTUS has long been the subject of debate, controversy, litigation, and inconsistent application.

In December 2019, EPA issued a new rule that reduces the regulatory requirements for waste aerosol cans. The new rule is aimed at improving recycling and reducing the cost and burden of aerosol can management by imposing less stringent regulatory requirements on the cans.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, President Trump signed into law the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA is an updated version of the of the nearly 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The USMCA won’t be finalized until Canada ratifies it. Read more for a dive brief.

After numerous delays, the United Kingdom (UK) will formally leave the European Union (EU) at midnight on Jan. 31, 2020 (Brussels time). There are implications regarding implementation of the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation and its application in the UK. Read more for a snapshot.

SGIA joined forces with the US Chamber of Commerce in the submission of comments opposing many provisions in its proposed regulation on chemical release reporting. The comments requested the CSB to align their requirements with those currently established by EPA. On behalf of an Industry Coalition, Con Maciel Carey also submitted comments opposing the proposed rule.

After years of being on OSHA’s list of high hazard industries for amputations, the printing industry has been dropped from the list of targeted industries. The printing industry had previously been on the NEP for many years going back to at least 2006. The new National Emphasis Program came up with 75 targeted manufacturing industries, includes certain packaging operations.

On January 15, 2020, Federal OSHA announced an increase to the maximum penalty an employer can be issued for violations. The new penalty levels will apply to all violations occurring after January 15, 2020. See inside for a comparison of 2019 vs. 2020 penalty rates.

After a meticulous selection process, SGIA was named to participate in EPA’s Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). The purpose of the CAAAC is to develop a diverse representative group to advise EPA on a variety of important air quality issues.