SOCMA forged into 2024 anticipating an onslaught of new regulations during the first six months of this year due to the upcoming elections. The increased activity has allowed SOCMA and our member companies to position ourselves in front of federal legislators and regulators.
In the last two weeks, we have directly advocated for HCS Policy Changes and the reauthorization of MTB and CFATS. Yesterday, I attended a meeting with John Podesta, who will replace John Kerry as the U.S. special climate change envoy. Podesta shared updates on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, the White House's climate priorities and discussed the White House's focus on improving the permitting process for domestic manufacturing.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to support SOCMA members on regulatory and legislative issues. If there are specific challenges that are impacting your facility, please contact me. I will also be at the SOCMA Show in Nashville with the full team to meet in person.
SOCMA's Government Relations Team held a Town Hall to provide insight on the regulatory and legislative activity that will impact the specialty chemical industry in 2024.
This Town Hall covered:
EPA and OSHA regulations and compliance changes in 2024
Major legislative and regulatory activity from 2023 and SOCMA's impact
HCS Update: SOCMA and Member Companies Meet with the White House
SOCMA, along with CJB Industries, Inc., Colonial Chemical, Inc., and LBB Specialties, LLC met with the White House to discuss OSHA Updates to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which directly impacts every specialty chemical manufacturer.
The Goal: SOCMA is advocating for policies that would:
Revise labeling provisions of small containers
Eliminate unnecessary relabeling while mitigating potential exposure and risk
Mitigate potential CBI disclosures
Mitigate near limitless chemical use assessment and reporting
Set realistic compliance deadlines
Issue Overview: Learn more about SOCMA's position on the Hazard Communication Standard.
SOCMA Urges Passage of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill
SOCMA joined Dow, BASF, National Association of Manufacturers and other allied trade groups and chemical companies on Capitol Hill in urging lawmakers to take immediate action to renew the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB).
By the numbers: The current lapse of MTB has led to heightened production costs domestically, resulting in decreased global competitiveness for manufacturers within the specialty chemical industry. SOCMA is actively advocating for the reinstatement of MTB, emphasizing that its renewal will empower SOCMA members to sustain globally competitive operations.
ACTION: Is the lapse in MTB affecting your business? We are seeking your input; help educate legislators bysharing your impact story with SOCMA.
SOCMA, Chemical Industry Associations, Push for Reinstatement of CFATS Program
SOCMA CEO Jennifer Abril, along with the heads of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and Association of Chemical Distributors (ACD), held an industry roundtable to highlight the importance of reauthorizing the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards. They were joined by members of the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Council, as well as Representative Laurel Lee’s (FL-15) office.
Industry News
EPA Clarifies Company Ownership for PFAS Reporting Rule
Upon Inquiry, EPA provided clarity on the PFAS reporting rule related to the nearly 15-year lookback period related to changes to company ownership or legal identity.
Compliance: According to EPA, companies should follow EPA’s CDR guidance document on change of ownership for the PFAS Reporting Rule.
DOL Publishes Final Rule on Independent Contractor Classification
The Department of Labor published a compliance guide for small businesses to better understand its new regulations governing who is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The impact: Effective March 11, 2024, employers will have to use the department’s new six factor test, which analyses factors including whether an individual’s work is “an integral part of the potential employer’s business."
ACTION: Does this rulemaking affect you?Contact the government relations team to let us know.
EPA Finalized Rule on Inactive PFAS
EPA published a final rule which prevents companies from resuming manufacture of “inactive PFAS” -- chemistries on the TSCA Inventory that have:
Not been produced in many years and
Were produced without a risk determination
By the numbers: Many of these 350+ chemistries are used in surfactants, binding agents, and in the production of sealants.
DoD Proposes Rulemaking on Cybersecurity Information Sharing for Federal Contractors
The Cyber Threat and Incident Reporting and Information Sharing rulemaking would require increased information sharing between the Government and technology service providers when cybersecurity incidents affect federal contractors or subcontractors.
Industry Impact: Any SOCMA member companies that are contractors or subcontractors for DoD would need to follow these increased reporting requirements.
How do I participate? DoD has extended the period to comment on this rulemaking to February 4th. Reach out to us if your company will be impacted by these potential changes.
SOCMA Resources
Click here to view our work on the Hazard Communication Standard
To learn more about MTB and other trade programs SOCMA is working on, click here
View the Federal Government’s updates on rulemakings that effect our industry here
