PRINTING United Alliance is pleased to announce it has joined the Manufacturers for Sensible Regulations that is seeking achievable and balanced regulations that address environmental challenges. The coalition was launched by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), members of NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA), and the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations to address the current impact of the regulatory onslaught coming from federal agencies that threaten the viability of manufacturing companies and the jobs they provide.
To ensure manufacturers remain competitive, the coalition is calling on the White House to designate a senior-level adviser to coordinate efforts within the White House to ensure that federal regulators are implementing policies that align with the president’s promise to promote the growth of manufacturing in America.
The positive effects of tax reform, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the CHIPS and Science Act are being undermined by the growing regulatory burden. In 2023 alone, the Biden administration issued 1,260 final rules and is on pace to issue more than 3,000 final regulations this year to add to more than 6,000 final rules already issued in 2021 and 2022. Of the rules already issued, more than 2,000 impact small businesses. The printing industry, primarily comprised of small businesses, is affected by many of these rules.
One rule of concern is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed climate-risk disclosure rule with Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting requirements. If approved, this rule would impact thousands of small businesses that already face a disproportionate regulatory burden, because they are part of the supply chain for publicly traded companies.
Another regulation of concern is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed air quality regulations for particulate matter (PM 2.5). An April 2023 report conducted by Oxford Economics warns that this regulation is projected to threaten $162.4 billion to $197.4 billion of economic activity and put 852,100 to 973,900 current jobs at risk, both directly from manufacturing and indirectly from supply chain spending.
According to NAM’s Q2 2023 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, more than 63% of manufacturers report spending more than 2,000 hours per year complying with federal regulations, while more than 17% of manufacturers report spending more than 10,000 hours. That is time that cannot be spent on more productive activities, including developing, manufacturing, and delivering products to customers, and it expends resources that otherwise could go toward hiring, raises, or capital investments.
“While we understand the importance of addressing environmental issues, the Alliance seeks a more balanced approach that does not hinder investment, job creation, and wage growth,” says Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “A fair and stable business environment that supports small and medium-sized businesses is essential for the health of the printing industry, as well as the American economy.”
As a member of the new coalition, the Alliance will meet with key members of the Biden administration and Congress to highlight the devastating impact of unbalanced regulations. You can learn more at NAM’s online regulatory action center.
In this article Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses the Alliance joining a coalition addressing burdensome federal regulations. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.