NewslineVolume V, Issue 16 - July 30, 2004The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: Trade Mission Set For November The International Trade Administration Office of Consumer Goods is sponsoring
a consumer goods trade policy mission to Beijing, China November 8-9, 2004.
The event will target sectors of the U.S. consumer goods industry involved in
trade with China including carpet. The trade mission will be led by Al Frink,
of Fabrica, nominee to become U.S. Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing. The
objective of the mission is for representatives of U.S. consumer goods interests
to meet with Chinese officials to discuss issues related to 1.) intellectual
property rights, 2.) distribution and trading rights, and 3.) standards and
technical trade barriers. The mission will take place over a two-day period
of meetings in Beijing. During their visit, U.S. representatives can expect
to meet with officials from the National Development and Reform Commission,
the Ministry of Commerce and the State Administration for Quality Supervision
and Inspection. Meetings with representatives from particular industries will
also be arranged. The cost of the mission is $950.00 per participant which will
cover Beijing transportation to and from meetings, some meals and various administrative
expenses. Travel to China and lodging in Beijing are not included in this fee.
Biomonitoring Legislation Slowed Down in California The bill to create the first statewide biomonitoring program in the United
States was delayed in a June 22 vote by the Assembly Health Committee. According
to various news reports, the bill fell one vote short of the 10 votes needed
to pass the committee. (Nine committee members voted to pass the bill, five
voted against the bill, and five members did not vote.) Prior to the vote the
bill was amended to remove two important sections: a funding mechanism that
would impose fees on manufacturers and distributors of toxic chemicals, and
a list of the targeted chemicals. Even with those changes, questions lingered
about the scientific underpinnings of the proposed biomonitoring program. Following
the vote, the bill's sponsor, Senator Deborah Ortiz, asked for and was granted
'reconsideration', meaning the committee could reconsider the bill when the
Legislature returns from its July recess. Report Warns of Higher Natural Gas PricesAccording to a study released today by Cambridge Energy Research Associates
(CERA), North America will experience the highest sustained natural gas prices
in history if measures are not taken to either boost supplies or reduce demands.
As reported by the Financial Times, natural gas prices could go up to $6.62
per MMBtu by 2007, even without severe weather that could drive prices even
higher. The only relief on the horizon would be if new liquefied natural gas
(LNG) receiving terminals are in operation by 2008 or 2009. However, the article
warns that while dozens of new LNG terminals have been proposed in various locations
across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, only one is currently under construction,
and if the projects are delayed or abandoned gas prices could continue their
upward trajectory beyond 2007. New EU Trade Commissioner TappedNews reports from Lisbon and Brussels indicate that Peter Mandelson of the
United Kingdom is favored to be the next European Union Trade Commissioner.
Incoming EU President, Jose Barroso of Portugal, favors the two time UK government
minister who is close to Prime Minister Tony Blair. The new Trade Commissioner
will be responsible for negotiating trade deals for all 25 EU member states
which account for a fifth of the world's imports and exports. The new Commissioner
will also be a key player in WTO negotiations and maintain a close relationship
with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick. Tacoma Learning Center Gets Boeing GrantThe Boeing Co. Employee Community Fund has awarded a $22,070 grant to the Tacoma
Learning Center. The grant will be used to buy and install padding and hypoallergenic
carpet in the center's 23-year-old building space, making it healthier for the
babies, toddlers and children served by the center, Learning Center officials
said. Tacoma Learning Center, a nonprofit organization, provides parent education
and support services for families whose children have delayed learning or learning
disabilities. The Boeing Co.'s Employee Community Fund is employee-owned and
managed. It provides funding to nonprofit health and human service organizations
in the area where Boeing employees live and work. Green Building Going MainstreamA recent issue of Trend Letter suggests that the green building movement has
moved beyond the design of eco-friendly office and public buildings and into
the residential mainstream. From 1990 through 2001, a total of 18,887 homes
were built that met local "green building" guidelines. In 2002 alone,
the number was 13,224. The article also looked at how the movement is going
beyond traditional environmental capabilities, such as energy efficiency or
water conservation, and focusing on integrated efforts to improve environmental
and physical health - from the use of non-toxic materials to floor plans and
community designs that encourage increased physical activity and less dependence
on cars. A scientist from the Harvard School of Public Health quoted in the
article predicts that building codes will eventually evolve to require environmental
and health considerations, and that guidelines will also be imposed on the manufacturers
of building materials, furniture and other home products. CRI Meetings* Sustainability Issues Management Team, August 2, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.,
CRI Boardroom CRI Participation in Upcoming Events* American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) 31st Annual Meeting, July 28-August
1, Seattle, Washington If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Louise Dobbs at 706.428.2104. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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