Government Affairs Program Report: Federal Affairs

Regulatory and legislative actions at the federal level are identified by a variety of mediums. For legislative issues, ACA closely monitors issues and activities of several congressional committees, including the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee as well as the Homeland Security and Government Affairs. On the House side, the relevant committees include the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Homeland Security Committee and Science, Space and Technology Committee.

In addition to monitoring these committees, ACA works closely with our issue management committees to identify priority issues for the coatings industry and develop advocacy strategies to advance the industry’s position. Priority issues include TSCA implementation, an aerosol coatings air quality regulations and the Build America, Buy America requirements, among many other issues

While there are many TSCA implementation issues, the issue of EPA’s handling of pre-manufacture notices within the statutorily prescribed time of 90 days and then attaching a Significant New Use Rule, has been a chronic issue since the Lautenberg amendments were adopted. ACA has, on several occasions, highlighted this issue for staff of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

ACA has also discussed the EPA rulemaking for aerosol coatings with congressional staff. This rulemaking, developed in response to a petition for rulemaking that ACA submitted in 2016, has been through the entire rulemaking process. EPA has indicated that the final rule would be published in 2022, but it has been delayed on several occasions. This final rule is important as it would harmonize reactivity standards with the revised standards in the California Air Resources Board rule. Several congressional offices agreed to send letters of inquiry to EPA to ascertain the nature of the delay.

In addition to meeting with congressional staff on priority issues, ACA develops opportunities for members to meet with congressional staff as well. These opportunities occur at “Paint the Capitol” Days, Meet the Staffer Lunches, and coalition meetings with industry partners. All of these opportunities provide ACA and our members the opportunity to discuss priority issues and potential solutions.

ACA has submitted several letters to congressional committees as well, addressing priority issues of TSCA implementation, extended producer responsibility programs, Build America, Buy America requirements, the CFATS program, and PFAS requirements.