environment

AIM VOC Activities/Developments

State and local agencies will continue to push for lower VOC Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) products as they attempt to meet existing and future State Implementation Plan (SIP) requirements. ACA will continue to monitor and advocate for reasonable AIM coatings rules in California, the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) states in the Northeast, the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO) states in the Midwest, and other states and local air districts out West. Read More…

environment

Hazmat Transport Regulatory Update

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees several different agencies, including the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). PHMSA is responsible for promulgating regulations to ensure safety and security of the transportation of hazardous materials, including those paints and coatings classified as hazmat. As such, ACA directs policy in matters regarding the safe, secure, and economic transportation of industry products and the raw materials used in them. ACA also helps establish an industry position in matters of proposed legislation and regulation in the United States and in international forums on issues pertaining to the transportation of hazardous materials. Read More…

environment

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Update

In November 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) developed the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), which focuses on preventing chemicals of interest from being stolen, diverted, sabotaged, or deliberately released by terrorists or other bad actors. DHS implements the CFATS program under a variety of short-term authorizations by Congress. The CFATS program lapsed on July 27, 2023, after Congress allowed its statutory authorization to expire. The safe handling and use of chemicals is a priority of ACA and industry, and it is crucial that the CFATS program is reauthorized to help protect and secure our facilities from terrorism. ACA is currently working with Congress, DHS, and coalition partners to ensure that the CFATS program is swiftly reinstated. Read More…

International

World Coatings Council Marine Coatings Update

The World Coatings Council has two committees dedicated to issues affecting marine coatings: the Antifouling Coatings Committee (AFCC) and Marine Coatings Technical Committee (MCTC). These committees are comprised of international companies that manufacture, supply, and sell marine coatings and their biocides worldwide. The committees meet every year and engage at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by supporting the development of technically sound regulations for marine coatings around the world. AFCC is currently tracking activities related to the IMO’s AFS Convention, biofouling guidelines, in-water cleaning standards, and marine plastic litter. AFCC also monitors regulatory activities affecting antifouling coatings and active substances in countries and regions throughout the world. MCTC provides technical advice on critical issues pertaining to the IMO’s Ballast Water Convention and its impact on corrosion in ballast tanks. MCTC’s efforts are currently focused on evaluating the compatibility of new ballast water treatment systems with ballast tank coatings, conducting testing on treated and non-treated ballast water tanks, and the potential re-evaluation of the IMO’s Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC). Read More…

environment

PCBTF Advocacy

Many coatings manufacturers utilize exempt volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they are not counted towards the overall VOC content of the product. Air regulatory agencies also encourage coatings manufacturers to utilize certain exempt compounds because their products can then meet lower VOC limits. PCBTF (parachlorobenzotrifluoride or Oxsol 100) is the most widely used exempt compound in coatings manufacturing. In 2022, California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) officially prohibited the use of PCBTF and TBAC in industrial adhesives and sealants (Rule 1168). In November 2023, SCAQMD shifted its focus to prohibiting the use of this PCBTF in auto-refinish coatings (Rule 1151). It is clear that the district intends to phase out the use of PCBTF in all coatings when the applicable rule is open for amendment (e.g., Rules 1113, 1136, 1143). ACA will continue to coordinate industry advocacy efforts and comment on any changes that will be proposed in the future. Read More…