Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
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National Corn Growers Association Weighs in on Farm Bill
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, Feb. 21 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news on Feb. 20, 2026:
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National Corn Growers Association Weighs in on Farm Bill
The National Corn Growers Association said today that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, recently released by the chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, would improve existing programs for corn growers and rural America.
The comments were included in a letter from the NCGA president to the committee leadership ahead of the bill's markup.
"Many of the NCGA-endorsed farm bill marker bills and policy
... Show Full Article
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, Feb. 21 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news on Feb. 20, 2026:
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National Corn Growers Association Weighs in on Farm Bill
The National Corn Growers Association said today that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, recently released by the chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, would improve existing programs for corn growers and rural America.
The comments were included in a letter from the NCGA president to the committee leadership ahead of the bill's markup.
"Many of the NCGA-endorsed farm bill marker bills and policyrecommendations are reflected in the proposed legislation and would be an improvement upon existing programs for corn growers and rural America," wrote Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. "As the legislative process moves forward, corn growers will continue to advocate for additional policy enhancements and are prepared to defend against harmful amendments."
The 2018 Farm Bill, originally set to expire on September 30, 2023, has been extended twice. NCGA and affiliated state associations have provided formal input with recommendations for updating farm bill policies and programs as far back as 2022.
Corn growers from across the country have participated in listening sessions, field hearings, formal Congressional testimony, and meetings with their Member of Congress to call for improvements to make USDA programs more effective, efficient, and responsive.
Bower said the recently released farm bill includes many programs and policies important to corn growers and broader constituencies across rural America, including:
Emphasizing access to credit and rural development allowing corn growers to enhance their operations and innovate with precision agriculture tools. Bower said corn growers support sections of the bill that update loan limits for farm ownership loans and guaranteed operating loans. He noted that corn growers also support provisions that expand access and promote the adoption of precision agriculture technology, which will help to ease the financial burden of adopting precision agriculture practices.
Supporting voluntary conservation programs. Corn growers are committed to implementing successful conservation practices on their farms. The legislation includes a process for the establishment of interim and new conservation practice standards, which will help to speed the development and adoption of innovative conservation practices so that corn farmers have timely access to the latest, proven technologies and practices.
Bolstering U.S. international market development efforts. The letter noted that NCGA strongly supported the doubling of mandatory funding for USDA trade promotion programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the funding allocations for the existing Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program. The two programs allow the U.S. to promote exports abroad and reduce trade barriers for American exporters.
The letter also called on Congress to help growers during difficult economic times by creating and expanding markets.
"In addition to advancing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, there are a number of immediate actions that policymakers can take to address the significant economic hardship that has fallen on the agriculture industry," Bower said. "Corn growers are facing their fourth year of negative profitability, including an average loss of $125 per acre for the current crop marketing year alone, resulting from trade disruption, persistently high input prices and foreign competition."
He added that Congress and the White House could do more to address growers' economic struggles, including passing legislation that would expand nationwide, consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends year-round and expediting negotiations and implementation of trade agreements.
The letter also emphasized the need for committee members to work across the aisle.
"Corn growers would like to see this process move forward in a bipartisan manner and for a farm bill to be signed into law this year," Bower said.
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The Honorable Glenn 'GT' Thompson The Honorable Angie Craig
Chairman Ranking Member
U.S. House Committee on Agriculture U.S. House Committee on Agriculture
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Craig, and Members of the Committee on Agriculture: As the Committee on Agriculture approaches the legislative markup for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) appreciates your work to support America's farmers, rural communities, and consumers in the farm bill.
NCGA represents 36,000 dues paying members and the interests of the broader community of 500,000 U.S. corn farmers. As a grassroots-led association, grower leaders representing NCGA and affiliated state associations have provided formal input with recommendations for updating farm bill policies and programs as far back as 2022. Corn growers from across the country have participated in listening sessions, field hearings, formal Congressional testimony, and meetings with their Member of Congress to call for improvements to make USDA programs more effective, efficient, and responsive.
NCGA's values and areas of emphasis for the farm bill are summarized by these key principles: protecting federal crop insurance; strengthening the producer safety net; bolstering U.S. international market development efforts; supporting voluntary conservation programs, and championing initiatives important to rural America.
While several important and longstanding farm bill priorities for corn growers, including key investments in commodity and trade promotion programs, were addressed primarily through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025, corn growers recognize that the legislation was passed via the budget reconciliation process which limited the scope of policy provisions.
Farm Bill 2.0
Corn growers support the bipartisan development and passage of a "Farm Bill 2.0" this Congress and provide the following feedback on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act ahead of the legislative markup in the House Committee on Agriculture.
Many of the NCGA endorsed farm bill marker bills and policy recommendations are reflected in the proposed legislation and would be an improvement upon existing programs for corn growers and rural America. As the legislative process moves forward, corn growers will continue to advocate for additional policy enhancements and are prepared to defend against harmful amendments.
Championing initiatives important to rural America
The farm bill includes many programs and policies important to corn growers and broader constituencies across rural America including provisions in the credit, rural development, research, and energy titles.
Access to credit and rural development programs is important for corn growers to enhance their operations and innovate with precision agriculture tools. NCGA supports sections 5105, 5106, and 5202 that updates loan limits for farm ownership loans and guaranteed operating loans. Corn growers also support provisions in Section 6302 that expand access and promote the adoption of precision agriculture technology. This will help to ease the financial burden of adopting precision agriculture practices.
Corn growers are supportive of the reauthorization of several key research priorities through 2031 including Section 7125 the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority, Section 7203 the Agriculture Genome to Phenome Initiative, and Section 7402 the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
Increased access and innovation to biofuels, bioproducts, and related feedstocks remain a top priority for corn growers. NCGA strongly supports clearly defining sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as an advanced biofuel as seen in Section 9001 and the strategy to encourage the production of SAF in Section 9013. Additionally, corn growers support reauthorizing USDA's Bio Preferred program through Section 9002, which expands domestic manufacturing of renewable biobased products. Improvements to the Bio Preferred program and to Biorefinery Assistance in Section 9003 provide the U.S. with the tools to lead in research, development, and manufacturing of bioproducts. Predictable and reliable access to critical crop protection tools is important to corn growers.
NCGA supports uniformity of pesticide labeling requirements in Section 10205 that affirm that FIFRA gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the exclusive authority to determine labeling and packaging requirements, and those labels must reflect EPA's scientific conclusions.
Supporting voluntary conservation programs
Corn growers are committed to implementing successful conservation practices on their farms. NCGA supports investments into USDA working lands conservation programs, which help corn growers continue to be good stewards of the land and play an important role in advancing the adoption of conservation practices.
NCGA strongly supports the provisions in Section 2502, delivery of technical assistance, which includes a process for the establishment of interim and new conservation practice standards. This process will help to speed the development and adoption of innovative conservation practices so that corn farmers have timely access to the latest, proven technologies and practices.
Bolstering U.S. international market development efforts
Dynamic USDA trade programs boost U.S. agricultural exports, are vital to the prosperity of U.S. agriculture and related business, increase the value of agriculture exports, and provide a high value of return on the investments. NCGA strongly supported the doubling of mandatory funding for USDA trade promotion programs in the OBBBA. Corn growers support the funding allocations for the existing Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program found in Section 3201 and appreciate the efforts made to ensure that the programs are efficient and effective.
NCGA also supports the transfer of the authorities of the Food for Peace Act to USDA from the U.S. Agency for International Development via Section 3101. Approximately $96 million of U.S. corn and corn products is part of Food for Peace's global food distribution programs. The continuation of Food for Peace is an important part of strengthening relationships in developing countries that can result in market access for U.S. corn growers.
Strengthening the producer safety net and protecting federal crop insurance
In the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, corn growers support Section 1009 that clarifies eligibility for the storage facility loan program to include propane storage that is primarily used for agricultural production.
The OBBBA had multiple provisions to modify the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) commodity programs, including several recommendations from corn growers. While the OBBBA provides a one-time voluntary opportunity to add 30 million new base acres, which underpin the eligibility for the commodity programs, NCGA has concerns that the previous legislation did not provide enough new base acres or meaningful reforms and updates to existing base acres. NCGA continues to advocate for policies to ensure that commodity program eligibility and payments, via base acres, more accurately reflect growers' recent planting history.
With crop insurance consistently ranked as the number one farm bill priority for corn growers, NCGA will continue to oppose efforts to cut crop insurance programs or restrict producer accessibility to risk management tools.
Challenges in the Farm Economy Require Congressional Action
Corn growers appreciate the Committee on Agriculture for the efforts to advance the farm bill. Congress should also support rural America through additional short-term assistance for agriculture and long-term demand creation for corn. Immediate action can help address the significant economic hardship that has fallen on the agriculture industry. Corn growers are facing their fourth year of negative profitability, including an average loss of $125 per acre for the current crop marketing year alone, resulting from trade disruption, persistently high input prices and foreign competition.
NCGA continues to encourage Congress to act immediately to pass pending legislation that would provide consumers nationwide with year-round access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends (E15). This action will help corn growers and the rural economy during this difficult time and will also address issues around affordability by lowering prices at the pump.
Corn growers would also like to expedite the bilateral binding trade agreements that the administration is brokering with other countries. These agreements promise to ensure measurable demand growth for corn and corn product exports, which would help provide welcome relief to growers.
NCGA supports further assistance for agriculture, as current programs do not fully meet the financial needs of growers during this critical lending and planning period ahead of planting the next crop.
Overall, corn growers appreciate the leadership of Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Craig, and Members of the Committee for their service to agriculture and rural America. As the Committee considers the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, NCGA and our grower members appreciate consideration of our views. Corn growers would like to see this process move forward in a bipartisan manner and for a farm bill to be signed into law this year. NCGA and affiliated state associations will provide additional feedback to the Agriculture Committees and all Members of Congress as the legislative process moves forward.
Sincerely,
Jed Bower
President
National Corn Growers Association
CC: Members of the House Committee on Agriculture
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Original text here: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2026/02/national-corn-growers-association-weighs-in-on-farm-bill
[Category: Agriculture]
ERIC Submits Recommendations to Treasury and IRS to Maximize Workability of Trump Accounts
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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ERIC Submits Recommendations to Treasury and IRS to Maximize Workability of Trump Accounts
The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today submitted comments to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the guidance and request for information related to section 530A establishing Trump accounts. The provision, which was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, establishes new tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. children under the age of 18. The Treasury
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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ERIC Submits Recommendations to Treasury and IRS to Maximize Workability of Trump Accounts
The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today submitted comments to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the guidance and request for information related to section 530A establishing Trump accounts. The provision, which was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, establishes new tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. children under the age of 18. The TreasuryDepartment and the IRS intend to issue proposed regulations reflecting and adding to the guidance already issued.
"Large employers are at the forefront of helping millions of American workers achieve financial security and wellness, including planning so that their children can have a head start toward reaching their dreams. Trump accounts represent an exciting new tool that many Americans will consider to help make those dreams a reality," said Andy Banducci, ERIC's Senior Vice President for Retirement and Compensation Policy. "Once regulations are proposed, ERIC looks forward to offering informed comments and working with the IRS, Treasury, and other agencies to ensure these new accounts are simple to operate and practical to adopt."
Drawing on the unique experiences its member companies have providing tools individuals use to plan for financial security, ERIC outlined several areas to be addressed in proposed regulations. Some suggestions include clarifying that employer contributions do not create an ERISA-covered plan, guidance on how employers may efficiently remit funds, and specificity about documentation requirements and other technical issues.
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About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.
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Internal Revenue Service
Attn: CC:PA:01:PR (Notice 2025-68)
Room 5503
P.O. Box 7604
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044
Re: Notice 2025-68
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), thank you for the opportunity to comment on the guidance and request for information entitled "Notice of intent to issue regulations with respect to section 530A Trump accounts" (Notice). Large employers are at the forefront of helping millions of American workers achieve financial security and wellness, including planning so that their children can have a head start toward reaching their dreams. To that end, Trump accounts represent an intriguing new option that many Americans will consider.
By way of background, ERIC is a national advocacy organization exclusively representing the largest employers in the United States in their capacity as sponsors of employee benefit plans for their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every economic sector, ERIC is the voice of large employer plan sponsors on federal, state, and local public policies impacting their ability to sponsor benefit plans. ERIC member companies offer benefits to tens of millions of employees and their families, located in every state, city, and Congressional district. Our members sponsor benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).
ERIC appreciates the helpful guidance that was included in the Notice, which explains a wide range of implementation issues relating to Trump accounts. However, additional operational questions remain. The IRS and Treasury have said that they intend to issue proposed regulations reflecting and adding to the guidance issued in the Notice, and that they are working to harmonize guidance with the Department of Labor. These proposed regulations are currently pending review at the White House Office of Management and Budget. ERIC will reserve more extensive comment until these proposed regulations are published. However, the following concerns should be addressed in those proposed regulations in order to maximize the number of large employers willing to consider facilitating contributions to these accounts: Application of ERISA. A threshold question is whether employer contributions to Trump accounts pursuant to Code Sec.128(c) create a plan governed by ERISA. The Department has signaled that it is working with the Department of Labor for confirmation that they do not.
That confirmation is essential to ensuring more robust uptake of the program and efficient compliance with applicable obligations. These accounts do not meet the definition of "plan" in ERISA Sec.3 because they are not "established or maintained" by an employer; only individuals authorized by the statute may establish the account. Additionally, a statement that ERISA does not apply would be consistent with the treatment of health savings accounts and Individual Retirement Accounts. The statute also states that employer contributions to a Trump account must be made pursuant to a "separate written plan of an employer." The ERISA agencies should provide additional guidance about the contents of this requirement, and we request a model plan document.
* Application of the prohibited transaction rules. Furthermore, employers need guidance about whether Trump accounts are "plans" subject to the prohibited transaction rules in Code Sec.4975. If the IRS and Treasury conclude that they are subject to the prohibited transaction rules, special consideration will need to be provided for employers in the financial services industry offering contributions in connection with their own employees. In particular, those employers may have affiliate custodians serving as Trump account trustees. It should be clarified that those employers providing contributions using their affiliate custodians are not inadvertently establishing an ERISA plan. Additionally, the agencies should state that there are no prohibited transaction issues where the employee has voluntarily rolled over their account to a Trump account trustee affiliated with the employer.
* Need for a common remitter. Pursuant to Code Sec.530A(g), the Treasury Department is directed to select one or more financial institutions to serve as trustee of the initial Trump accounts. There can only be one funded Trump account for an individual at a time. There will be multiple institutions that can serve as rollover trustees. Without a centralized repository to receive funds, employers that make contributions on behalf of employees would need to establish contractual relationships with each trustee used by their employees to guide the flow of money and receipt of information. That is untenable. Treasury should establish a common remitter - or establish a process for employers to use a common remitter - to mitigate this challenge. The common remitter should have responsibility to ensure eligibility; see that the contributions are received and allocated to the relevant Trump account; track total contributions and return any excess contributions to the employer;8 and ensure that best practices with respect to privacy and cybersecurity are met.
* Documentation requirements. Only an authorized individual may establish a Trump account for the benefit of an eligible individual. Pursuant to a contribution arrangement, employers may transmit funds to a Trump account trustee, for example as a pilot program match or pursuant to a Sec.125 arrangement. Employers need assurance about the documentation requirements attendant to the transmission of these funds. For example, the trustee (either the initial trustee or rollover trustee) should be required to confirm the existence of the Trump account and the relevant identifying information pertaining to the account owner and dependent. Employers must be able to rely on the representations of the trustee, and should not have any duty to independently verify the information. Employers must be provided any relevant tax information by the trustee as well. Employers will also need guidance regarding any regulatory requirements to retain these records.
* Nondiscrimination relief. Under the Notice, Trump account employer contributions will be subject to nondiscrimination rules "similar to" the Code Sec.129 Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) rules. There are several open questions regarding the application of the nondiscrimination rules to Trump account contributions. For example: - Must direct employer matching contributions be tested?
* How exactly do these rules apply to contributions made through a cafeteria plan?
* Are employers permitted to offer Trump account contributions only to employees with dependents?
* What is the testing treatment of employees with dependents that do not elect to establish an account?
* How are employees under the age of 18 to be treated?
* Can employees between age 18 and 21 be excluded?
* Can collectively-bargained employees be excluded?
* For testing purposes, what is the treatment for a contribution made but rejected because it exceeded contribution limits?
* Would a program that offers a matching contribution to all employees be deemed to satisfy the non-discrimination rules? If so, a safe harbor would be appropriate.
* Other operational questions. ERIC members have advised myriad other technical and operational questions that will need to be addressed, such as:
* Do employers have the authority to determine how they will notify employees of a pilot program match and cafeteria plan election opportunities must be provided to employees? Or do the ERISA agencies expect to issue guidance?
* What notices regarding a pilot program match and cafeteria plan election opportunities must be provided to employees, and when?
* If excess contributions are returned to the employer, are those contributions required to be provided to the employee?
* How are errors to be corrected?
* What is the treatment of Trump account contributions for purposes of the generation-skipping tax (in other words, can the rule confirm that contributions - either direct or cafeteria plan contributions - are exempt)?
* How should contributions be reported on the form W-2?
* How quickly after payroll withholds employee contributions must contributions be remitted?
* Where a company offers a match, are otherwise eligible individuals working outside of the U.S. able to open an account and receive employer contributions?
* Can an employer condition contributions under its Trump account contribution program on the employee maintaining a Trump rollover account with the employer's selected trustee (under rules similar to employer selection of a health savings account provider)?
* Relief for actions prior to final regulations. These accounts are set to be operational as of July 4, 2026. In the event that regulations are not final well in advance of that date, employers should be allowed to rely on a good-faith interpretation of the statute and relevant authorities.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide these initial comments. We look forward to providing additional comments on the forthcoming proposed regulations and working with IRS, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Labor, and others to ensure that these new accounts are as operationally feasible as possible - and thus are available to as many beneficiaries as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Andy Banducci
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Original text here: https://www.eric.org/press_release/eric-submits-recommendations-to-treasury-and-irs-to-maximize-workability-of-trump-accounts/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
CTA CEO: SCOTUS Tariff Decision a Victory for All Americans
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 21 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following statement on Feb. 20, 2026, By Executive Chair Gary Shapiro:
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CTA CEO: SCOTUS Tariff Decision a Victory for All Americans
"Today's 6-3 Supreme Court decision is a victory for all Americans. By striking down tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Court affirmed what our Founding Fathers were so careful to write into our Constitution: the power to tax Americans rests with Congress, not the President. Innovation thrives on predictability, and this common-sense decision
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 21 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following statement on Feb. 20, 2026, By Executive Chair Gary Shapiro:
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CTA CEO: SCOTUS Tariff Decision a Victory for All Americans
"Today's 6-3 Supreme Court decision is a victory for all Americans. By striking down tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Court affirmed what our Founding Fathers were so careful to write into our Constitution: the power to tax Americans rests with Congress, not the President. Innovation thrives on predictability, and this common-sense decisionbrings much-needed clarity for American businesses and consumers.
Now, the government must act quickly to refund retailers and importers without red tape or delay. Our leaders should resist the urge to compound the error by turning to new tariff authorities that add more burden and uncertainty for America's innovators, especially small businesses and startups.
The Consumer Technology Association was proud to lead the way in calling for the Court to clearly return tariff authority to Congress, joining dozens of organizations urging the Court to act decisively. Today's decision, leaning on the Major Questions Doctrine and a clear reading of Constitutional text, hews closely to the arguments made in CTA's amicus brief in this case. We applaud this clear step toward restoring balance, accountability, and confidence in the U.S. economy."
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About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R):
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES(R) - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
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Original text here: https://www.cta.tech/press-releases/cta-ceo-scotus-tariff-decision-a-victory-for-all-americans
[Category: Electronic Products]
CMA Sponsors Bill to Modernize E-Bike Safety Laws and Protect Kids
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 21 -- The California Medical Association issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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CMA sponsors bill to modernize e-bike safety laws and protect kids
The California Medical Association (CMA) and Assemblymember Lori Wilson today announced the introduction of Assembly Bill 2346 to modernize California's electric bicycle (e-bike) safety standards in response to a sharp rise in serious injuries among children and teenagers.
The bill aims to reduce the growing number of severe e-bike injuries, including among California's youth. The bill proposes a comprehensive
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 21 -- The California Medical Association issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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CMA sponsors bill to modernize e-bike safety laws and protect kids
The California Medical Association (CMA) and Assemblymember Lori Wilson today announced the introduction of Assembly Bill 2346 to modernize California's electric bicycle (e-bike) safety standards in response to a sharp rise in serious injuries among children and teenagers.
The bill aims to reduce the growing number of severe e-bike injuries, including among California's youth. The bill proposes a comprehensivemodernization of California's e-bike regulations to protect children and others sharing the road and to allow the state to effectively support safer e-bike use.
The legislation is informed by a state legislature-commissioned report from the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University, which highlighted how rapid technological advancements have outpaced current laws, leading to a proliferation of "out-of-class" vehicles that lack safety measures.
"As technology evolves, our laws must keep pace to ensure our streets remain safe for everyone, especially our children," said Assemblymember Wilson, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. "This bill provides parents with the information they need to keep their children safe and gives local communities the necessary tools to enforce safe speeds. We are taking an evidence-based approach to prevent tragedy before it strikes."
"Across California, we're seeing more and more children get seriously hurt while riding high-powered e-bikes that are marketed like toys but operate more like motorcycles," said Assemblymember Marc Berman, who is a joint author on AB 2346. "I am proud to join Assemblymember Wilson to crack down on those that misrepresent the speed and power of their products and put clear, enforceable guardrails in place to keep our kids safe. We can support innovation and active transportation options while making sure families aren't misled and our neighborhoods aren't put at risk."
Physicians across the state have reported a sharp increase in severe trauma injuries related to these vehicles, particularly among children and teenagers. News reports have also documented alarming instances of minors modifying e-bikes to override speed limiters, allowing them to reach speeds far exceeding their classification.
"As physicians, we see the medical consequences of high-speed e-bike crashes every day," said CMA President Rene Bravo, M.D. "These are powerful motorized devices, not the bikes many parents remember growing up with. When children ride them without helmets at high speeds, the injuries can be life-altering. This bill aligns safety rules with medical reality and helps prevent avoidable harm."
Key provisions of AB 2346
To address these dangers and protect children, AB 2346 would enact the following provisions:
* Beginning in 2029, require that all e-bikes sold in California be equipped with integrated lights and speedometers to improve visibility and rider awareness.
* Require manufacturers and distributors selling in e-bikes in California provide consumers with a summary of e-bike laws and regulations.
* Require retailers and distributors to clearly disclose to consumers what type of e-bike they're selling and the maximum speed, battery wattage, age restrictions, helmet requirements of the device and a warning that modifying the e-bike speed limit is illegal.
* Impose civil penalties for any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer that violates these disclosure requirements.
* Authorize local jurisdictions to adopt overall speed limits for e-bikes on bike and multi-use paths, or paths with appropriate signage.
* Impose a statewide speed limit of 15 mph for any rider aged 15 years or younger.
* Set a statewide speed limit of 5 mph when riding on a sidewalk.
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Original text here: https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51133/Assemblymember-Lori-Wilson-introduces-CMA-sponsored-bill-to-modernize-e-bike-safety-laws-and-protect-kids
[Category: Medical]
Association of Equipment Manufacturers: U.S. Sales of Combines Increase in January 2026 as Sales of Agricultural Tractors Decline
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Feb. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Association of Equipment Manufacturers issued the following news:
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U.S. Sales of Combines Increase in January 2026 as Sales of Agricultural Tractors Decline
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of combines rose 68% in January 2026 compared to the year before. Total sales of Ag tractors declined 4.7% during the same period. Meanwhile, Canadian sales of combines jumped 447.6% in January 2026 compared to 2025's sales, while total Ag tractors sales improved 8.8% compared to the same time frame.
... Show Full Article
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Feb. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Association of Equipment Manufacturers issued the following news:
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U.S. Sales of Combines Increase in January 2026 as Sales of Agricultural Tractors Decline
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of combines rose 68% in January 2026 compared to the year before. Total sales of Ag tractors declined 4.7% during the same period. Meanwhile, Canadian sales of combines jumped 447.6% in January 2026 compared to 2025's sales, while total Ag tractors sales improved 8.8% compared to the same time frame.
"After several months of challenging numbers, it's encouraging to see a modest uptick in combine sales this January," said Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President Curt Blades. "Overall tractor sales continue to be soft indicating the overall state of farm economy and underscoring the need for more certainty in biofuels and global ag markets." Curt Blades
The Ag Tractor and Combine reports (https://www.aem.org/market-share-statistics/us-ag-tractor-and-combine-reports) can be found on the AEM Market Share Statistics page. The U.S. report can be downloaded from this page (https://www.aem.org/market-share-statistics/us-ag-tractor-and-combine-reports), while the Canadian report is available for download here (https://www.aem.org/market-share-statistics/canadian-ag-tractor-combine-reports).
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ABOUT AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America's premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.aem.org/us-sales-of-combines-increase-in-january-2026-as-sales-of-agricultural-tractors-decline/
[Category: Business]
ASA Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Case
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Feb. 21 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following statement on Feb. 20, 2026:
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ASA Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Case
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision regarding tariffs and related authorities. In response, the American Soybean Association (ASA) issued the following statement:
"The case at the Supreme Court has been closely followed by soybean farmers who have seen the cost of inputs rise over the past year due to tariffs. U.S. soybean growers are reliant upon imports for critical farming tools like fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, and
... Show Full Article
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Feb. 21 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following statement on Feb. 20, 2026:
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ASA Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Case
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision regarding tariffs and related authorities. In response, the American Soybean Association (ASA) issued the following statement:
"The case at the Supreme Court has been closely followed by soybean farmers who have seen the cost of inputs rise over the past year due to tariffs. U.S. soybean growers are reliant upon imports for critical farming tools like fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, andagriculture equipment," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio farmer. "Moving forward, certainty and dependable market access are essential for U.S. soy to remain competitive globally. Because farmers are caught in a cost-price squeeze and ag input costs remain high, we urge the President to refrain from imposing tariffs on agricultural inputs using other authorities. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and Congress to strengthen market opportunities and support a stable farm economy for generations to come."
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Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/asa-statement-on-supreme-court-tariff-case/
[Category: Agriculture]
ALPA Canada Calls on Canada's Transport Ministers to Strengthen Aviation Safety
MCLEAN, Virginia, Feb. 21 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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ALPA Canada Calls on Canada's Transport Ministers to Strengthen Aviation Safety
Today, as Canada's Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers of Transport assemble for their annual meeting to discuss critical issues across the air, land, and marine sectors, Canada's airline pilots renew their calls on the Ministers to take decisive action to strengthen--not roll back--critical safety protections for air travel to ensure a safe, well-trained, and well-rested
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MCLEAN, Virginia, Feb. 21 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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ALPA Canada Calls on Canada's Transport Ministers to Strengthen Aviation Safety
Today, as Canada's Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers of Transport assemble for their annual meeting to discuss critical issues across the air, land, and marine sectors, Canada's airline pilots renew their calls on the Ministers to take decisive action to strengthen--not roll back--critical safety protections for air travel to ensure a safe, well-trained, and well-restedworkforce.
Following extensive research, consultation, and careful analysis, ALPA Canada, in conjunction with the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA), released a White Paper, Charting a Flight Path for the Future of Canadian Aviation (https://www.alpa.org/-/media/project/alpa/alpa/files/alpa-documents/safety/white-papers/white-paper-canadian-aviation.pdf), that underscores the aviation sector's essential role in Canada: enabling resupply and medical services to remote and northern communities, supporting economic activity in major hubs, facilitating leisure travel, and transporting perishable goods to global markets. Taken together, these functions underscore aviation's role as critical national infrastructure, fundamental to Canada's economic resilience, security, and social well-being.
"In their pursuit of cost-cutting or convenience, air operators often ask for more flexibility in the rules. However, safety is not only a regulatory obligation--it is a strategic asset and a global competitive advantage for Canadian aviation," notes Capt. Tim Perry, ALPA Canada President. "Strong safety performance underpins public confidence, international trust, and market access, and it is the most important factor in ensuring the sector can thrive and remain economically viable and profitable over the long term."
Canadian aviation, which has long been recognized for its high safety standards, cannot afford weakened safety measures, such as our Flight Time and Duty Time regulations, for cost-cutting purposes. Canada's poor performance at its latest ICAO audit should function as a reminder that aviation safety should never be taken for granted and that no cost-driven compromises should be tolerated.
"System reliability and safety must be achieved through deliberate design, which includes consultation with all stakeholders, including ALPA Canada, at the table," continued Capt. Perry. "A cornerstone of any safety system must include the perspective of those operating within the regulatory framework, which Canadian professional pilots do every single day."
At the conclusion of the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Transport Ministers' meeting, ALPA Canada will be looking for specific language in the Ministerial Communique, signed by all Ministers, which affirms no rollback of critical aviation safety measures in favour of increasing operators' bottom lines, while acknowledging an agreement on further improvements to aviation safety.
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Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
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Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/02/alpa-canada-calls-on-canada-transport-ministers-to-strengthen-aviation-safety
[Category: Transportation]
