NewslineVolume VIII, Issue 7 - April 5, 2007The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
Special Edition - CRI Government Issues In This Issue: CRI Government Issues Staff has been working hard this year internationally as well as at both the federal and state level. Following is detailed information on all activities. For additional information, contact Jenn Mendez at 703.875-0634. Internationally:Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) StatusThe REACH Regulation was formally adopted on December 18, 2006 by the Council of Environment Ministers. A final report offering guidance to EU countries that must set up help desks to assist parties seeking to implement the REACH law was issued by the European Commission on Feb. 14. The report is designed not only for member states but also to help companies and other parties that will be contacting help desks determine what type of information the help desks can and cannot provide. In addition, the comment period concerning draft guidance for evaluating and registering chemicals recently ended on March 5. What REACH DoesThe REACH Regulation gives greater responsibility to industry to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances. The manufacturers and importers will be required to gather information on the properties of their substances, which will help them manage them safely, and to register the information in a central database. A Chemicals Agency will run the databases necessary to operate the system, coordinate the in-depth evaluation of suspicious chemicals and run a public database in which consumers and professionals can find hazard information. The Regulation also calls for the progressive substitution of the most dangerous chemicals when suitable alternatives have been identified. REACH will take force on June 1, 2007. International Standards OrganizationWork to harmonize an international standard for testing of VOCs. A review of the standard at the recent ISO meeting resulted in the standard being put forth as a draft International Standard moving it much closer to becoming an international standard. This will allow companies to test there products once using the standard. Other standards being worked on deal with classification pictograms, acoustics, and flammability. We are monitoring closely EU's efforts to introduce Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs will be based on life cycle assessments (LCA). The European Carpet and Rug Association has completed its LCA for carpet and the European laminate and resilient flooring groups are preparing similar LCAs. At the Federal Level:Georgia Delegation Set to Send Letter to President Regarding Intellectual PropertyLed by Congressman Deal and Congressman Barrow the Georgia delegation will shortly be sending a letter to the President over China's continue theft of intellectual property. The letter will stress the need to uphold intellectual property protection and the regulations stipulated by the WTO in order to sustain the innovative nature of the carpet industry. Georgia Chapter of the American Lung Association (GALA) Appropriations ProjectWe continue to pursue funding for the three-year medical research study concerning the relationship between the type of floor coverings most often found in residential settings and how they impact the distributive patterns of airborne particulates which exacerbate or contribute to asthma, particularly in children. This is the third year of the study, and CRI has already helped secure $650,000 though the federal appropriations process through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the Georgia Chapter of the American Lung Association (GALA). CRI has submitted a request for the remaining $350,000 needed to complete the study to the office of U.S. Representative Nathan Deal (R-GA). We hope the funds will be approved and distributed by year's end. Climate ChangeDuring the last four months, there have been numerous hearings on climate change issues; and hearings will continue throughout the coming months. After testifying before the House Science Committee, Speaker Pelosi stated that she wanted to have climate change legislation introduced no later than this Spring. However, Congressman Boucher and Chairman Dingell have not agreed to this timeline. Senator Bingaman is also working on legislation, but has not yet introduced his bill. To date four bills have been introduced in the 110th Congress that specifically aim to reduce greenhouse gases. In summary, S. 309 (Sanders/Boxer) is the most aggressive and would be a cap on total emissions economy wide. S. 280 (Lieberman) and companion bill HR 620 (Olver) would put a cap on emissions from the electric power, transportation, industry, and commercial sectors. S. 317 (Feinstein) places a cap on emissions generated from power plants. Attached is a January 31st Congress Research Report, which provides the best summary to date on each of the four bills that have been introduced. I have also attached a summary table that compares these four bills and also includes Senator Bingaman's draft. In the absence of federal action, states have taken steps to address greenhouse gases. Forty-two states have conducted greenhouse gas inventories; 30 states have either completed or in the process of preparing climate change action plans; and 12 states have set statewide greenhouse gas targets. However, only a few states have implemented or are creating a mandatory emission reduction programs. The most significant developments in creating mandatory reduction regimes are from California, a group of Northeast states (CT,DE, ME, NH, NJ, NY, and VT) who have come together to form a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI); and most recently five western states (OR, CA, WA, NM, AZ) have banded together to set up a similar effort in the West to regionally reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and set up a cap and trade system. During the next 18 months, the governors will devise a market-based program, such as a load-based cap and trade program to reach the target. The five states also have agreed to participate in a multi-state registry to track and manage greenhouse gas emissions in their region. Both the Northeast and Western State initiatives set the stage for a national cap and trade system. Recycling Investment and Saves Energy (RISE) Act and StatusThe "RISE Act" is sponsored by Senator Snowe (R- ME) and has not yet been introduced in the 110th Congress. The bill is expected to be introduced shortly after the Congressional recess. The RISE Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a special depreciation allowance for a reuse and recycling property; to provide tax exempt financing of recycling equipment and for other purposes. CRI has met with both Senator Snowe's and Carpers offices, as well as Senator Clinton's to work proactively on the recycling issue. In the states:New York City's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) GuidelinesCRI participated at a public hearing regarding NYC's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing. Specifically, the issue of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) as it relates to carpet. CRI supports the city's efforts and asked that the city specifically reference CRI's Green Label and Green Label Plus. CRI also provided a letter in support of the guidelines. The guidelines were passed by the New York City Council. The Green Label name was not referenced specifically, although the emissions numbers were those specified by CRI's Green Label. Legislative Threat in Maine QuashedLegislators in Maine introduced a Legislative Directive (LD 20) that directs carpet to be removed from all Maine schools. A directive, like a resolution, is not binding, but still a concern. The Directive was introduced by a new representative in the Maine Legislature. She comes from a region where mold has been a problem in schools. The directive is very wide and not at all likely to pass. CRI monitored the progress of the legislation and worked with the Clerk of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee (the committee to which LD 20 has been referred). CRI's Jenn Mendez traveled to Augusta, Maine to testify on behalf of CRI members regarding LD 20, legislation banning the use of carpets in Maine schools. Friday, March 23 was the working session of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee where the committee voted on the bill. With almost no discussion, the Carpet resolve was unanimously voted Ought Not to Pass. When unanimous in committee like that - it automatically kills the bill. Georgia-Specific IssuesThe Senate adjourned just as it was about to consider Senate Bill 43, legislation which would make it unlawful for an employer to "establish, maintain, or enforce any policy or rule that has the effect of prohibiting an employee from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked motor vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or any other parking area". The move to adjourn, orchestrated by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Rules Committee Chairman Don Balfour and Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson, was inspired by the hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and letters from constituents who opposed the legislation. Continued vigilance will be required on this issue inasmuch as there are "vehicles" still in the process to which Senate Bill 43 could be attached. The Senate passed Senate Bill 184, which would disallow as a business deduction for state income tax purposes the payment of wages, benefits, expenses or any other economic benefit paid to an employee, hired on or after January 1, 2008, who is subsequently determined to be an illegal immigrant. The disallowance would not apply to a company that has enrolled in the federal "basic pilot program" or in cases where the employee has presented to the taxpayer a valid license or identification card issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. The House passed House Bill 419, which would substantially revise the law applicable to commercial driver's licenses, and particularly the causes for suspension and penalties on employers for authorizing an employee to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of federal, state or local law. The bill would also extend to five years from four the time between renewals of a commercial driver's license. GTMA members with motor truck fleets reviewed this bill and advised it aligns Georgia law with federal regulations. CRI works closely with Roy Bowen of the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association. (GTMA). GTMA is opposing House Bill 719, which would create within the Georgia Department of Labor a Division of Occupational Safety and Health. This new Division would be charged to develop and enforce rules and regulations "for the purposes of attaining the highest degree of safety and health protection for any and all employees working within the State of Georgia, whether employed in the public or private sector". GTMA believes that federal OSHA regulations and enforcement is adequate and that the State need not incur the cost of a duplicative bureaucracy. GTMA and the Georgia Pulp and Paper Association (GPPA) are working with the Lieutenant Governor's office and Senate leadership towards the goal of amending House Bill 237 and House Bill 272 onto related House-passed bills being considered by the Senate. Passage of both bills are legislative priorities of GTMA and GPPA:
GTMA is opposing House Bill 746, which would authorize the Georgia Public Service Commission to use Universal Service Fund (USF) funds to pay for Commission Staff dedicated to natural gas pipeline inspection and safety. The USF, which is funded in substantial part by meter fees paid by interruptible consumers, is currently restricted to providing emergency assistance to low-income natural gas consumers and to fund a small portion of Atlanta Gas Light Company line extensions deemed to be in the public interest. The Commission has the authority to impose a surcharge on interruptible consumers should USF funds be inadequate to meet its obligations. Funding of Commission Staff with USF money would surely strain the USF and likely lead to the imposition of a surcharge on interruptible consumers. GTMA strongly believes the Commission Staff should be funded through an appropriation in the state's budget. Introduced late in the Session, the bill is not likely to receive serious consideration this year but will remain a source of concern. CRI Meetings
* AHAM Vacuum Cleaner Meeting, Atlanta Hilton, April 10, 10:00. - 3:00 pm CRI Participation in Upcoming Events
* Technical Issues Conference, April 24-25, Young Harris, GA If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact James Beach at 706.428-2116. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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