Get Ready for the SOCMA Summit - CEUs Now Available
We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for attendees - you can now earn 1.5 CEUs by participating in the sessions. Join us in the vibrant city of "the Big Easy" to delve into a range of topics, including how to enhance your inspection preparedness and gain insights from SOCMA's perspective on Capitol Hill. Register by October 2 to save on registration and expand your knowledge.
Industry Advocacy
SOCMA Calls on Congressional Leadership to Re-instate CFATS
After CFATS lapsed in July, SOCMA leadership met with Senator Rand Paul earlier this month to gain his support for CFATS. SOCMA also sent a letter to Senate leadership, along with the CFATS Coalition, sharing the importance of employee vetting and facility risk assessments done through the program.
By the numbers: Around 300 employees a day have not been screened on the FBI database for terrorist ties since the program lapsed in July.
Bookmark the SOCMA CFATS webpage to get the most up to date information on the program.
SOCMA Weighs in on OSHA Proposed Heat Illness Rulemaking
SOCMA membership participated in a SBREFA panel on OSHA’s potential updates to the Heat Illness Standards. Comments on the proposed rule are due on October 2.
Why it matters: Record keeping of daily wet bulb temperatures and restricting the amount of time returning employees can work in heat are some of the potential changes which would cost industry members in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply.
If you are affected by this potential regulation, contact the Government Relations Team.
Industry News
USTR COVID Tariff Exemptions Re-instated
Advocacy from SOCMA and other associations resulted in USTR re-instating the COVID tariff exemptions until the end of 2023.
The impact: This extension alleviates the uncertainty that many members had with sourcing products subject to these tariffs.
Next steps: After the end of the year, the USTR will publish its findings of these exemptions in its four-year review of the 301 tariffs.
House Ways and Means Committee Inquires on Re-authorizing Tariff Exemption Program
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which expired in 2020, provides tariff exemptions on goods imported from developing countries. The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on September 20 to discuss the importance of this program being re-authorized.
The ask: It is crucial that the GSP program be re-authorized. This not only helps impoverished nations grow their economy, but also helps U.S. manufacturers sure-up their supply chains and increase domestic jobs.
SOCMA affiliate member USI Insurance Services has put together a brief overview of PFAS litigation and the hidden risks it poses to chemical manufacturers. The recap also outlines potential risk management strategies for affected companies.
Texas pushes back on EPA’s Cumulative Assessment Guidance
The state of Texas has pushed back on Federal EPA, stating that there is no legal basis for Cumulative Risk Assessments criteria being used in their state permitting process.
The scope: In 2023, there has been an increase in permitting challenges from federal EPA. Actions such as holding community meetings, implementing asks from individuals in the community, and providing EPA’s comment response to community members are examples of increased hurdles in obtaining a permit.
