Advocacy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the list of hand sanitizers being recalled to at least 75. The recall is being issued as toxic levels of methanol or wood alcohol in the recalled products may cause injury or death. Read here for more information.

Due to the current problems with solid waste and need to increase recycling, EPA has asked for feedback on its Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) program. PRINTING United Alliance provided comments on behalf of the Printing Industry.

Beginning September 8, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new rule for determining if a waste is considered hazardous due to its flashpoint takes effect. Read here for more information.

The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse has released a new sample Certificate of Compliance for companies to use when providing a certificate stating that a package or packaging component is in compliance with the requirements of the law.

On June 10th, OSHA issued guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions to clarify the difference between cloth face coverings, surgical masks, and respirators, and the implications for wearing face coverings in the workplace.

Every 5 years, EPA evaluates and revises the MSGP and on March 2, 2020, EPA released a draft 2020 permit for review and comment. The 2020 MSGP is an update of the existing 2015 MSGP, however, the proposed permit increases the obligations on MSGP permittees. PRINTING United Alliance’s Government Affairs staff plans to participate in these important regulatory discussions.

The Mojave Desert Air Pollution Control District (MDAPCD) has issued proposed changes to Rule 1117, Graphic Arts and Paper, Foil, Film and Fabric Coating Operations. This rule sets down the regulatory requirements for printing facilities operating in this air district, which includes parts of Los Angeles area. There are specific requirements for lithographic, flexographic, rotogravure, screen printing and digital printing operations.

Manufacturers selling children’s product into the state of Vermont are required to provide annual reports on any product containing any of the 86 Chemicals of Concern to Children (CHCC).

On March 26, 2020, USEPA released a memo titled “COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program” describing USEPA’s temporary policy for enforcing environmental legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states have issued their own temporary guidance for environmental compliance and will issue discretions under a case-by-case basis.

EPA produced one radio and three video public service announcements to encourage households to recycle right and to not litter or put personal protective equipment (PPE) in recycling collection carts. Find these resources here!