Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
AXPC Applauds SPEED Act Passage, Urges Senate to Unleash Affordable Energy by Passing Comprehensive, Durable Permitting Reform
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Exploration and Production Council issued the following news release:
* * *
AXPC Applauds SPEED Act Passage, Urges Senate to Unleash Affordable Energy by Passing Comprehensive, Durable Permitting Reform
The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) today applauded the House for passing the SPEED Act, calling it a pivotal step toward advancing durable reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and fixing America's broken permitting system. With the passage of the bipartisan SPEED Act, which garnered 11 Democratic votes, the House has now
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Exploration and Production Council issued the following news release:
* * *
AXPC Applauds SPEED Act Passage, Urges Senate to Unleash Affordable Energy by Passing Comprehensive, Durable Permitting Reform
The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) today applauded the House for passing the SPEED Act, calling it a pivotal step toward advancing durable reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and fixing America's broken permitting system. With the passage of the bipartisan SPEED Act, which garnered 11 Democratic votes, the House has nowsent the Senate a package of meaningful permitting reforms that include modernizing NEPA, providing certainty under the Clean Water Act through the PERMIT Act, and streamlining the permitting process for job-creating U.S. LNG exports through the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act.
Anne Bradbury, AXPC CEO, said:
"Today's vote marks a turning point to fix America's broken permitting system and lower energy costs for every American. AXPC applauds the House for passing Chairman Bruce Westerman and Representative Jared Golden's SPEED Act, a bipartisan breakthrough to responsibly streamline environmental reviews and end permitting lawfare that stifles all forms of energy development and drives up costs for American families. The time is now for the Senate to unleash affordable energy by passing comprehensive, durable permitting reform."
* * *
Original text here: https://axpc.org/education-resource/axpc-applauds-speed-act-passage-urges-senate-to-unleash-affordable-energy-by-passing-comprehensive-durable-permitting-reform/
[Category: Energy]
ACC/AHA Issue New Guideline on Managing Congenital Heart Disease in Adults
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release:
* * *
ACC/AHA issue new guideline on managing congenital heart disease in adults
Ensuring ongoing access to care, promoting mental health and physical activity, supporting pregnancy and childbirth, and improving heart failure care identified as key areas of focus for adults who were born with heart defects
*
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association, along with several other leading medical associations, have issued a new guideline for managing congenital heart disease
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release:
* * *
ACC/AHA issue new guideline on managing congenital heart disease in adults
Ensuring ongoing access to care, promoting mental health and physical activity, supporting pregnancy and childbirth, and improving heart failure care identified as key areas of focus for adults who were born with heart defects
*
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association, along with several other leading medical associations, have issued a new guideline for managing congenital heart diseasein adults. The guideline was jointly published today in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, and Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association.
Congenital heart disease--being born with defects in the heart's structure--is the most common birth defect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects nearly 1% of births, or about 40,000 babies per year, in the U.S. Advances in surgical treatments over the last few decades have contributed to over 90% of babies born with heart defects in the United States now surviving well into adulthood. This has led to a rapidly growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) who remain at increased risk of cardiac complications as they age, despite early interventions.
The new guideline provides updated recommendations for monitoring, counseling and treating adults with congenital heart disease. It includes evidence from research published between 2017-2024 and replaces the previous guidance issued in 2018.
"We have moved the field forward, in that we have more evidence than we did with the last set of guidelines," said Michelle Gurvitz, MD, a cardiologist at Boston Children's Hospital, associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and chair of the guideline writing committee. "While we always want more evidence, we are doing better. The growth of the field has been almost exponential in the amount of data being gathered and research being published."
The new guideline includes additions related to the role of clinicians with specialized expertise in guiding the care of adults with congenital heart disease; updates regarding mental health, physical activity, pregnancy and heart failure; and new recommendations about specific types of heart defects and treatment approaches.
Congenital heart disease encompasses a wide range of conditions, including more than 30 recognized types of heart defects, which can be classified as simple, moderate, or complex. The symptoms or functional differences that result from these defects include abnormal heart rhythms, diminished exercise capacity, low blood oxygen levels, and signs of heart failure, among others. Many people with congenital heart defects are diagnosed early in life and some may undergo surgeries in infancy or early childhood, while a smaller proportion of individuals with milder defects may only learn about their condition during adulthood.
The guideline authors emphasize the importance of access to ongoing specialized care for adults with congenital heart disease. Even when congenital heart defects are diagnosed and treated in childhood, many patients stop seeing congenital heart disease specialists after they become adults. Common barriers include a lack of awareness about the importance of care continuity, availability of specialists where they live, and socioeconomic or insurance-related challenges. The new guideline provides recommendations about when specialized expertise is warranted and how specialists can partner with other clinicians to broaden access to care.
"We know we need to be diligent in our efforts to get pediatric patients into adult congenital heart disease care," Gurvitz said. "We still have a lot of patients who stop receiving specialized care as they transition and transfer from pediatric to adult care, and a lot of patients who can't access physicians for other reasons like insurance or geography."
Some adults with congenital heart disease experience mental health or neurocognitive conditions--including mood disorders, as well as cognitive and memory problems--that can worsen if they are not diagnosed and treated.
In the new guideline, Gurvitz said, "we renewed our emphasis on mental health and neurocognitive assessment. Our patients have a lot of challenges with anxiety and depression, so it's important to discuss that with patients or consider sending them for further evaluation."
The guideline also includes updated recommendations around exercise. Physical activity is an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle for everyone, including people with congenital heart disease. However, patients with heart defects are often concerned about what level of activity is safe.
"We looked at using exercise testing to guide physical activity recommendations and spelled this out more broadly than in the prior guidelines," Gurvitz said. "Many of our patients play sports, and we are now saying that adults with CHD are not just 'allowed' to play, they are encouraged to participate in physical activity, after being properly evaluated."
In addition, the guideline includes new and updated recommendations on birth control options, pregnancy and childbirth. Individuals with ACHD interested in pregnancy should receive preconception counseling, in collaboration with an ACHD cardiologist, about genetic testing, how a pregnancy could affect their health, fetal risks associated with pregnancy and safe birthing options. The majority of pregnant patients with ACHD can have a safe delivery, with appropriate individual risk stratification and monitoring.
Updated guidance on surgical practices, heart failure and treatments for specific forms of congenital heart disease is also provided. The writing committee emphasize that patients with more complex heart defects often require close monitoring and may need additional procedures or medical devices during adulthood, such as valve replacements, ablations or pacemakers to correct arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), or a heart transplant if heart functioning deteriorates severely. Further research is needed to inform the optimal timing for such interventions, as well as to inform geriatric care approaches as more patients reach older adulthood.
"We'll continue to push the field to answer the questions because the patient population is not going anywhere--it's only getting larger," Gurvitz said. "In particular, our most complex patients are our fastest-growing group, and my hope is that some of the identified gaps will push people to try to answer those questions around what is the most efficient and effective way to deliver care to our patients."
The writing committee included specialists in ACHD cardiology and interventional cardiology, congenital cardiac surgery, heart failure and electrophysiology, in addition to advanced practice nurses and a patient advocate. The guideline was developed in collaboration with and endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society, the International Society for Adult Congenital Heart Disease and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.
Additional Resources:
* After Dec. 18, 2025, view the manuscript online in JACC or Circulation
* JACC.org Guideline Hub (Hub available at embargo lift)
* Guideline at a Glance (Available at embargo lift)
* American Heart Association Guideline Hub for Professionals (after embargo - 2 p.m. ET, Dec. 18, 2025)
* American College of Cardiology health information: Congenital Heart Disease information at CardioSmart.org
* American Heart Association health information and patient resources: Congenital Heart Defects
* Adult Congenital Heart Association information: ACHD Clinic Directory
* Follow the American College of Cardiology at @ACCinTouch
* Follow American Heart Association news on X @HeartNews
* Follow news from the ACC's flagship journal JACC @JACCJournals
* Follow news from the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation @CircAHA
* * *
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/12/18/18/48/ACCAHA-issue-new-guideline-on-managing-congenital-heart-disease-in-adults
[Category: Medical]
Advocacy in Action: OSMA's Ohio Legislature Update
DUBLIN, Ohio, Dec. 19 -- The Ohio State Medical Association issued the following statement on Dec. 18, 2025:
* * *
Advocacy in Action: OSMA's Ohio Legislature Update
The Ohio Legislature has wrapped up for the 2025 year and will now be recessed for the holidays until the New Year. Within the fall months, there was a rush of activity surrounding the health insurance reform legislation OSMA has been supporting this year.
*
We are proud to say that halfway through the 136th General Assembly, each of the major insurance reform proposals we are supporting has had at least one hearing in the legislative
... Show Full Article
DUBLIN, Ohio, Dec. 19 -- The Ohio State Medical Association issued the following statement on Dec. 18, 2025:
* * *
Advocacy in Action: OSMA's Ohio Legislature Update
The Ohio Legislature has wrapped up for the 2025 year and will now be recessed for the holidays until the New Year. Within the fall months, there was a rush of activity surrounding the health insurance reform legislation OSMA has been supporting this year.
*
We are proud to say that halfway through the 136th General Assembly, each of the major insurance reform proposals we are supporting has had at least one hearing in the legislativecommittee process, and some of them have had multiple hearings. This is great progress and means that each bill has cleared at least one of the hurdles it must pass through in order to complete its legislative journey.
* HB 214: Prior Authorization Gold Card - Sponsor hearing 5/20/2025
* HB 219: Network Adequacy - Sponsor hearing 5/6/2025, Proponent hearing 10/7/2025
* HB 220: Prior Authorization-Retroactive Denials, Peer to Peer, Appeals - Sponsor hearing 5/27/2025, Second hearing 10/21/2025, Proponent hearing 10/28/2025
* HB 390: Collection of Copays - Sponsor hearing 10/21/2025
* HB 429: Prohibit Reimbursement Reduction - Sponsor hearing 10/21/2025
* SB 160: Non-Medical Switching - Sponsor hearing 6/17/2025, Proponent hearing 9/30/2025, Opponent/Interested Party hearing 10/21/2025
* SB 162: Takebacks - Sponsor hearing 9/30/2025, Proponent hearing 10/21/2025
* SB 164: Transparency in Health Plan Use of AI - Sponsor hearing 10/28/2025
* SB 165: Automatic Downcoding and Prudent Layperson - Sponsor hearing 10/14/2025
In Case You Missed It:
There were also several hearings regarding scope of practice proposals last month. As a reminder, OSMA immediate past president Dr. Elizabeth Muennich provided testimony in a hearing opposing HB 508, legislation which would grant independent practice authority to Ohio advanced practice registered nurses. In addition, OSMA VP of Advocacy Monica Hueckel testified in opposition to HB 353, which would change the title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate."
In fact, numerous physician members have taken a hands-on role in OSMA advocacy this fall and helped OSMA to carry out our advocacy work by giving legislators their uniquely powerful clinical perspective. We are endlessly thankful for their contributions.
Please stay tuned for OSMA's Advocacy Report, coming next month. This biannual magazine is your key to understanding the most important action during the past year on OSMA's legislative and regulatory priorities. It will give more details regarding our physician leaders' participation in our efforts this fall. The Advocacy Report will be released, to mailboxes and electronically, in mid-late January 2026.
Thank you for an amazing year of advocacy and happy holidays!
Support the OSMAPAC for 2026!
The OSMAPAC has started fundraising for the 2026 year and is gearing up for the fall general election coming next November! Each year, our dedicated physician leaders raise vital funds to keep supporting key elected officials that exemplify what it means to be an ally to the practice of medicine. Help us have another strong year and please consider contributing to the OSMAPAC.
* * *
Original text here: https://osma.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sd/news_article/609233/_PARENT/layout_details-news/false
[Category: Medical]
Anesthesia Quality Institute Announces BD as New Corporate Supporter
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
* * *
Anesthesia Quality Institute Announces BD as New Corporate Supporter
Collaboration Will Drive Data Collection Improvement for Anesthesia Registries
*
The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI), a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), today announced that leading global medical technology company, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), has joined AQI's Corporate Supporter Program to support the enhancement of how anesthesia data are collected and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
* * *
Anesthesia Quality Institute Announces BD as New Corporate Supporter
Collaboration Will Drive Data Collection Improvement for Anesthesia Registries
*
The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI), a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), today announced that leading global medical technology company, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), has joined AQI's Corporate Supporter Program to support the enhancement of how anesthesia data are collected andused to improve patient care.
"We welcome BD as a new AQI corporate supporter and are excited to be working with them on this quality-driven initiative to transform data collection, analysis, and reporting of anesthesia care nationally," said AQI Board of Directors Chair Randall M. Clark, M.D., FASA. "AQI and BD share a mutual commitment toward enhancing patient safety and outcomes. Through our collaboration, we'll be able to collect more complete and granular anesthesia and perioperative data, which will help to advance patient care and improve outcomes."
BD's support will directly impact the development of the first-of-its-kind, electronic health record-derived Anesthesia Community Registry (ACR), being developed by AQI in collaboration with Epic, and enhancements to AQI's National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR), the largest anesthesia registry in the country. The ACR and NACOR will work in tandem to allow a more robust collection and reporting system with much greater ease of use compared to current methods.
"At BD, we are committed to advancing the world of health by improving patient safety and outcomes through innovation and collaboration," said Tim Patz, worldwide president, BD Advanced Patient Monitoring. "Partnering with AQI on initiatives like the Anesthesia Community Registry and enhancements to the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry reflects our shared vision to leverage data-driven insights that empower clinicians and elevate the quality of anesthesia care nationwide."
Launched in 2025, AQI's Corporate Supporter Program is intended for companies who want to stand apart by demonstrating a high-level of commitment to improving patient care, informing data collection and reporting that impacts the anesthesia community, and participating in collaborative research that advances patient safety, anesthesiology practice and innovation.
* * *
About the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 60,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about how anesthesiologists help ensure patient safety, visit asahq.org/madeforthismoment. Follow ASA on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
About the Anesthesia Quality Institute
The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) was established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) in 2008 to facilitate practice-based quality management through education and quality data feedback. AQI helps to improve the quality care of patients, lower anesthesia mortality and lower anesthesia incidents. The AQI is a Patient Safety Organization (PSO) and home to NACOR, the largest anesthesia registry in the world. NACOR is also a Qualified Registry (QR) and a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR).
About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or Instagram @becton_dickinson.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2025/12/anesthesia-quality-institute-announces-bd-as-new-corporate-supporter
[Category: Medical]
APhA Highlights Pharmacists' Expertise at Marijuana Rescheduling Ceremony
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
* * *
APhA highlights pharmacists' expertise at marijuana rescheduling ceremony
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) participated in a White House ceremony marking the rescheduling of marijuana as a Schedule III drug. Marijuana's Schedule I classification imposes strict regulatory requirements that make it difficult for researchers and scientists to obtain it for study. APhA believes that moving marijuana to Schedule III will help accelerate research into its medicinal applications and potentially
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
* * *
APhA highlights pharmacists' expertise at marijuana rescheduling ceremony
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) participated in a White House ceremony marking the rescheduling of marijuana as a Schedule III drug. Marijuana's Schedule I classification imposes strict regulatory requirements that make it difficult for researchers and scientists to obtain it for study. APhA believes that moving marijuana to Schedule III will help accelerate research into its medicinal applications and potentiallylead to safer and more effective therapeutic uses.
APhA is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States dedicated to advancing the entire pharmacy profession. APhA represents pharmacists, scientists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in all practice settings, including but not limited to community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, specialty pharmacies, community health centers, physician offices, ambulatory clinics, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and government facilities. Our members are committed to improving medication use, advancing patient care, and enhancing public health.
APhA supports regulatory changes that facilitate clinical research on the efficacy and safety of cannabis and its components. While cannabis offers therapeutic potential, concerns remain about drug interactions and opportunities for optimization--areas that require pharmacy expertise. As the medication experts, pharmacists support patients in their overall medication management, which include prescription and over-the-counter medications and other medicinal substances. It is essential that pharmacists know about interactions with all products a patient is taking; modifying regulatory access to cannabis will increase research availability to ascertain drug and condition interactions for pharmacist management.
Additionally, APhA advocates for health care provider education and pharmacist involvement in the dispensing and counseling of cannabis and its derivatives. Pharmacists are medication therapy experts and play a critical role in improving health outcomes. Their participation in patient education ensures proper dosing, monitoring, and counseling, ultimately promoting safe and effective use.
To support pharmacists and health care providers, APhA offers comprehensive educational resources, including its Pain Management Certificate Training Program, which provides guidance on safe pain management and patient counseling, and a new publication, Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Primer, which helps pharmacists, student pharmacists, and practitioners navigate cannabis in modern health care.
* * *
About the American Pharmacists Association
Founded in 1852, APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. From our headquarters in Washington, DC, APhA leads the pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their work and by ensuring patients have access to pharmacists' care. We do this through our strong and effective advocacy, top-notch education, practice tools and resources, dissemination of evidence, and opportunities for members to engage and learn from one another. APhA is the pharmacy voice at the table in developing national guidelines, policies, and best practices that advance the profession and patient care. To learn more, visit www.pharmacist.com.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/apha-highlights-pharmacists-expertise-at-marijuana-rescheduling-ceremony
[Category: Medical]
Specialty Equipment Market Association: Landmark ADAS Bill Introduced in Congress, First Major Step to Protect the Right to Modify
DIAMOND BAR, California, Dec. 17 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
* * *
LANDMARK ADAS BILL INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS, FIRST MAJOR STEP TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO MODIFY
-- SEMA-led, bipartisan ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act provides pathway to ensure proper calibration of ADAS when vehicles are legally modified --
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act (H.B. 6688) by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and cosponsored
... Show Full Article
DIAMOND BAR, California, Dec. 17 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
* * *
LANDMARK ADAS BILL INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS, FIRST MAJOR STEP TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO MODIFY
-- SEMA-led, bipartisan ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act provides pathway to ensure proper calibration of ADAS when vehicles are legally modified --
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act (H.B. 6688) by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and cosponsoredby Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), and Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.). SEMA worked closely with lawmakers from both parties to secure bipartisan support for the legislation, which ensures that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified. This legislation is critical to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires, or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.
* The bill is timely, because a forthcoming federal mandate that new, Model Year (MY) 2029 vehicles feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the U.S.
The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model year 2028. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.
* "SEMA thanks Rep. Harshbarger for her leadership and Reps. Vasquez, Obernolte, and Torres for their strong support for ensuring vehicles with ADAS can be modified without compromising the integrity of these important safety systems. The introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is a landmark moment for anyone who owns, repairs, or modifies a vehicle," said Jim Moore, SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development. "Americans deserve confidence that those critical systems will work as intended for the entire life of their vehicle, even after repairs or customization. Currently, the industry lacks clear standards governing ADAS calibration, and aftermarket businesses and vehicle owners need access to the necessary calibration information and procedures needed to keep modern safety features functioning. This bill marks a critical step forward in the name of vehicle safety and is a major step forward in protecting the American people's right to modify the vehicles they own."
BACKGROUND
* SEMA's research indicates that more than 50 million cars and trucks in the U.S. are modified or accessorized each year, a number that both underscores the urgent need for ADAS standards that account for real-world vehicle modifications, and the significant number of consumers who modify their vehicles.
* Beginning in MY 2029, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.
* SEMA has invested over $25 million in the SEMA Garage to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich., the Garages provide advanced tools, OEM data, and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.
* The SEMA Garage hosted over 70 professionals from the customization, collision, and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations, creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.
* SEMA has released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels, and suspension components influence sensor reliability. The findings help manufacturers, installers, and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.
* * *
ABOUT SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates more than $52.6 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sema.org/news-media/press-release/landmark-adas-bill-introduced-congress-first-major-step-protect-right
[Category: Industrial Materials]
Soldiers Receive New Border Defense Medal
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 17 [Category: National Defense] -- The Association of the U.S. Army posted the following news:
* * *
Soldiers Receive New Border Defense Medal
*
A group of soldiers and Marines received the new Mexican Border Defense Medal in recognition of their service on the U.S.-Mexico border, according to an Army news release.
In a Dec. 16 ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump awarded the medal to 10 soldiers and three Marines who deployed to the border as part of Joint Task Force Southern Border to provide support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S.
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 17 [Category: National Defense] -- The Association of the U.S. Army posted the following news:
* * *
Soldiers Receive New Border Defense Medal
*
A group of soldiers and Marines received the new Mexican Border Defense Medal in recognition of their service on the U.S.-Mexico border, according to an Army news release.
In a Dec. 16 ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump awarded the medal to 10 soldiers and three Marines who deployed to the border as part of Joint Task Force Southern Border to provide support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S.Customs and Border Protection, the release said.
"On Day 1 of my administration, I signed an executive order making it [the] core mission of the United States military to protect and defend the homeland," Trump said in remarks before the ceremony, according to the release. "Today we're here to honor our military men and women for their central role in the protection of our border."
The Mexican Border Defense Medal was established on Aug. 13, backdated to Jan. 20. There are some 25,000 service members who qualify for the medal, according to War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who explained in the release that the newly issued medal is an exact replica of the original Mexican Border Service Medal created in 1918 for troops who fought against Francisco "Pancho" Villa's paramilitary forces in the Mexican Revolution.
Before the new medal was established, troops who served on the U.S.-Mexico border were recognized with the Armed Forces Service Medal, the release stated.
"This is not a secondary mission," Hegseth told the awardees, according to the release. "This is the front [line] of the defense of this country. We're taking it seriously, [and] it starts with human beings."
Sgt. Jhonier Marin, a U.S. Army Reserve soldier assigned to the 808th Engineer Company, spent months patrolling the border near El Centro, California, and Eagle Pass, Texas.
"It's an absolute honor, you know, because I have a lot [of friends] out there [on the border] that do a lot of good on this mission, and to see that what we do is actually making an impact and seeing the result is absolutely astonishing; it's awesome," Marin said in the news release.
***
Original text here: https://www.ausa.org/news/soldiers-receive-new-border-defense-medal
SSA's Offshore Wind Power Strategy May Assist Future Marine Planning
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, Dec. 17 (TNSjou) -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance issued the following news release:
* * *
SSA's Offshore Wind Power Strategy May Assist Future Marine Planning
One of the Southern Shrimp Alliance's most important achievements has been ensuring offshore wind energy development in the Gulf does not conflict with the shrimp fishery's operations. Now, the scientific community says SSA's advocated approach offers vital lessons for future marine planning that balances energy development and fisheries sustainability.
A recent academic paper published in Marine and Coastal
... Show Full Article
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, Dec. 17 (TNSjou) -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance issued the following news release:
* * *
SSA's Offshore Wind Power Strategy May Assist Future Marine Planning
One of the Southern Shrimp Alliance's most important achievements has been ensuring offshore wind energy development in the Gulf does not conflict with the shrimp fishery's operations. Now, the scientific community says SSA's advocated approach offers vital lessons for future marine planning that balances energy development and fisheries sustainability.
A recent academic paper published in Marine and CoastalFisheries examines how high-resolution spatial data on shrimp fishing effort, gathered from vessel monitoring systems, was analyzed to identify and avoid potential impacts of proposed wind energy areas on the shrimp fleet. The study, "A novel approach to evaluate the effects of offshore energy infrastructure on the northern Gulf of America shrimp fleet (https://academic.oup.com/mcf/article/17/6/vtaf035/8316162)," validates SSA's strategy and highlights the organization's input and support.
The result: just one carefully placed 102,480-acre lease off the coast of Galveston, Texas and Lake Charles, Louisiana--an area with minimal shrimping activity--instead of the 13 wind energy areas originally proposed that would have devastated Gulf shrimp fishermen.
Different Strategies, Different Outcomes
While offshore wind development has devastated fishing communities along the Atlantic coast, Gulf shrimpers emerged with their fishing grounds virtually intact. SSA positioned the shrimp industry for success through a two-pronged strategy: collect data and drive cooperation.
1. The Power of Data: Electronic Logbooks as a Strategic Tool
For years, SSA advocated for something many fisheries actively resist: comprehensive data collection through electronic logbooks (ELBs). While other fisheries viewed monitoring with suspicion, SSA recognized a fundamental truth--it's hard to win policy battles with anecdotes when your opponents have spreadsheets.
The investment paid off. SSA's commitment to generating, funding, and improving data collection on shrimp fishing effort created an irrefutable record of where shrimpers work. The precise, reliable dataset has served as the foundation for fact-based decisions that have repeatedly protected the industry, preventing unnecessary fishing closures and blocking problematic artificial reef placements.
When regulators needed to understand shrimping patterns, SSA asked for an analysis of hard data showing exactly where vessels operated, when they fished, and how they navigated around existing offshore infrastructure like oil rigs.
2. Cooperation Over Confrontation: Voicing Concerns Through Engagement
While Atlantic fisheries strongly opposed offshore wind power development, SSA collaborated extensively throughout the siting process from day one.
In 2021, SSA formally requested that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) coordinate with NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to develop advanced spatial modeling for identifying suitable offshore wind locations. This wasn't something the agencies were planning to do on their own. Without SSA's intervention, Gulf shrimpers would have faced the same fate as their Atlantic counterparts.
BOEM agreed, and the resulting interagency partnership transformed the process. Using the electronic logbook data SSA had championed, regulators mapped active shrimping areas with unprecedented precision, analyzed how shrimpers navigate around existing offshore structures, and identified optimal wind energy areas that would minimize conflicts with shrimping operations.
The numbers tell the story: this process eliminated 99.7% of the acreage originally under consideration for leasing. Of the 13 areas BOEM initially identified as suitable for wind energy development in the Gulf--areas could have catastrophically disrupted access to traditional shrimping grounds--only a single, carefully selected area was ultimately leased.
Wind Energy Areas Rescinded
In August 2024, BOEM announced it is rescinding all designated Wind Energy Areas on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in compliance with Secretary's Order 3437--Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision-Making--and the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025--Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the OCS from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government's Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects.
* * *
Original text here: https://shrimpalliance.com/ssas-offshore-wind-power-strategy-may-assist-future-marine-planning/
[Category: Food/Beverage]
NYC Health + Hospitals' NYC Care Partners With Consulates to Promote Health Care Access and Provide Blood Pressure Screenings
NEW YORK, Dec. 17 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
* * *
NYC Health + Hospitals' NYC Care Partners With Consulates to Promote Health Care Access and Provide Blood Pressure Screenings
*
Tabling at Ecuadorian, Guatemalan, Colombian, and Mexican consulates is geared to educate immigrant New Yorkers about NYC Care and promote health literacy
NYC Health + Hospitals' NYC Care is a health care access program available to all New Yorkers regardless of one's immigration status or ability to pay
Dec 17, 2025
NYC Health + Hospitals'
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 17 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
* * *
NYC Health + Hospitals' NYC Care Partners With Consulates to Promote Health Care Access and Provide Blood Pressure Screenings
*
Tabling at Ecuadorian, Guatemalan, Colombian, and Mexican consulates is geared to educate immigrant New Yorkers about NYC Care and promote health literacy
NYC Health + Hospitals' NYC Care is a health care access program available to all New Yorkers regardless of one's immigration status or ability to pay
Dec 17, 2025
NYC Health + Hospitals'NYC Care program today announced a partnership with the Consulate General of Guatemala in New York to provide NYC Care tabling services and no-cost blood-pressure screenings through NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst's Clinical and Community Affairs teams at the consulate. While clients were waiting for their consulate appointments, NYC Care outreach staff from United Sikhs spoke with clients in the waiting area, and got them to visit the Elmhurst screening table to get their blood pressure taken. Staff from NYC Care and Elmhurst informed community members about NYC Care and the importance of regular check-ups with ones' primary care team, handing out brochures, flyers, and promotional items. The event resulted in over 3,000 people reached, and continues the work undertaken at other consulates to connect recent immigrants to health care.
"NYC Care's partnerships with the consulates recognize the important help they provide immigrants navigating the challenges of living in our city," said Jonathan Jimenez, MD, MPH, Executive Director of NYC Care from NYC Health + Hospitals. "Thanks to our partners, individuals seeking consular services can also access longer, healthier lives through the NYC Care program."
"NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is proud to partner with the Consulate of Guatemala to provide blood pressure screenings and raise awareness regarding chronic disease prevention," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst CEO Dr. Helen Arteaga. "The Consulate serves as a vital link between Elmhurst and the Guatemalan community, and we are always happy to deepen that partnership to support the health needs of our patients and their families."
"NYC Care's partnership with the Consulates strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers can access the care and support they deserve," said United Sikhs Senior Manager Jagjit Kaur. "At United Sikhs, we work directly with communities across the city to connect individuals and families not only to NYC Care but also to a wide range of essential servicesincluding insurance assistance, immigrant rights workshops, social services, food distribution, Mental health services via our UMEED (Hope) helpline, housing assistance, and legal assistance by connecting them to trusted resources. Together, we are helping build a healthier, more informed, and better-supported New York for all."
Since July of 2024, NYC Care community-based organization (CBO) partners have tabled at the Ecuadorian and Mexican consulates on a weekly basis, with the Colombian Consulate participating starting in September of that year. This year, NYC Care has worked with NYC Health + Hospitals facilities including Elmhurst and Queens to provide blood pressure screenings and blood sugar testing, in addition to bringing public awareness to the health care access program. The event on December 6 th at the Guatemalan Consulate was the second of its kind, in which NYC Care and other NYC Health + Hospitals resources were made available for any walk-ins at the Consulate. Central to this effort has been working with local CBOs to provide culturally responsive communications to counter misinformation and fear regarding accessing public benefits. Partners include:
* Met Council
* Make the Road NY
* La Jornada
* Alliance for Positive Change
* Raising Health
* United Sikhs
* Council of Peoples Organization
* Center for the Independence of the Disabled, NY
* Emerald Isle Immigration Center
* Center for the Integration of New Americans
* Voces Latinas
* South Asian Council for Social Services
* Arab American Family Support Center
NYC Care has more than 130,000 active members and has provided over one million primary care appointments. In fiscal year 2025 alone, NYC Care members completed 62,936 women's health, 54,132 eye specialist, 39,667 behavioral health, 25,642 dermatology, 23,258 cardiology, and 19,725 cancer care appointments. A study published in 2024 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that new NYC Care members had the same health care engagement and chronic disease control as new Medicaid enrollees- demonstrating the health equity achieved through the program. NYC Care's community-based organization partners have reached over 1.4 million New Yorkers, scheduled over 62,000 enrollment appointments, and facilitated over 19,000 direct enrollments. From inaugurating a new durable medical equipment benefit to developing a multi-lingual video series about the program and deploying regular public awareness campaigns, NYC Care continues to champion health care for all New Yorkers.
MEDIA CONTACT : Press Office
#226-25
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealthall supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About NYC Care
NYC Care is a health care access program that provides comprehensive and low or no-cost healthcare services through NYC Health + Hospitals for New Yorkers who cannot afford or are ineligible for health insurance. NYC Care provides a membership card, 24/7 customer service, access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare services, like primary care, mental health services, and sexual and reproductive healthcare, low-cost medications, and member materials in multiple languages - regardless of your immigration status or ability to pay. Call 646-NYC-CARE ( 646-692-2273 ) or visit NYCCare.NYC to learn more and sign up today - privacy and confidentiality guaranteed.
Share
* * * *
***
Original text here: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/pressrelease/nyc-health-hospitals-nyc-care-partners-with-consulates-to-promote-health-care-access-and-provide-blood-pressure-screenings/
KDI Office Technology Named 2026 Ricoh ProVision Dealer Partner for Third Consecutive Year
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 17 -- The Business Technology Association issued the following news:
* * *
KDI Office Technology Named 2026 Ricoh ProVision Dealer Partner for Third Consecutive Year
BTA member KDI Office Technology has announced that it has once again been named a Ricoh ProVision Dealer Partner for 2026, marking the company's third consecutive year receiving this honor. The ProVision Dealer Partner designation recognizes outstanding service performance, technical certification and an exceptional customer experience across Ricoh's national dealer network.
View the official recognition
... Show Full Article
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 17 -- The Business Technology Association issued the following news:
* * *
KDI Office Technology Named 2026 Ricoh ProVision Dealer Partner for Third Consecutive Year
BTA member KDI Office Technology has announced that it has once again been named a Ricoh ProVision Dealer Partner for 2026, marking the company's third consecutive year receiving this honor. The ProVision Dealer Partner designation recognizes outstanding service performance, technical certification and an exceptional customer experience across Ricoh's national dealer network.
View the official recognitionletter here (https://www.kdi-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/KDI_Ricoh_ProVision_2026.pdf).
Continuing a Legacy of Service Excellence
Before the launch of the ProVision Dealer Partner program in 2024, Ricoh recognized top-performing dealers through its longstanding Ricoh Circle of Excellence program. KDI was a multiyear Circle of Excellence winner, demonstrating the company's deep commitment to service quality, training and customer support.
Since Ricoh transitioned to the ProVision Dealer Partner program in 2024, KDI has earned the recognition every year -- in 2024, 2025, and now 2026 -- reinforcing its position as one of the nation's most consistent high-performing Ricoh dealers.
This recognition is based on core service performance metrics, including:
* Technical certification and training
* First-call effectiveness and problem resolution
* Service response performance
* Parts availability and inventory management
* Customer satisfaction and support quality
Why This Matters for KDI Clients
"As a service-focused organization, we take great pride in achievements that directly reflect our customers' experience," said Rick Salcedo, president and CEO, KDI Office Technology. "Being recognized as a ProVision Dealer Partner for the third year in a row reinforces the strength of our service team and our commitment to delivering exceptional support across every location we serve."
For customers, the ProVision Dealer Partner designation means:
Highly trained, manufacturer-certified technicians
Faster, more efficient service response
Access to genuine Ricoh parts and tools
A service team committed to ongoing improvement
Consistent uptime and reliable device performance
Recognition That Reflects KDI's Mission
"At KDI, we've always believed in doing things the right way -- investing in our people, strengthening our expertise, and putting customer success at the center of everything we do," Salcedo said. "This recognition from Ricoh validates that commitment and motivates us to keep raising the bar."
In other news, KDI Office Technology has announced that Director of Marketing Lisa Richards has been invited to join the Intermedia Marketing Advisory Board, a national group of marketing leaders selected for their insight, strategic expertise, and contributions to the advancement of cloud communications and business technology.
The advisory board brings together a small group of professionals from across North America who collaborate on emerging trends, share best practices and help guide the development of partner marketing resources. Richards will represent KDI Office Technology on the board, contributing perspective informed by more than a decade of leading KDI's brand and partner marketing initiatives.
Intermedia created the Marketing Advisory Board to strengthen collaboration with its top-performing partners and ensure their perspectives help shape future partner support programs. KDI's involvement reflects the rapid growth of the partnership since the companies began working together in 2023.
A Strategic Opportunity for KDI
Richards' appointment reinforces KDI's commitment to innovation, partnership growth and delivering best-in-class technology solutions for its customers. Participation in the advisory board allows KDI to stay closely aligned with Intermedia's evolving marketing strategies and gain early insight into emerging trends across the cloud communications landscape.
"Lisa's participation on Intermedia's Marketing Advisory Board reflects the strong, collaborative partnership KDI has built with Intermedia since 2023," Salcedo said. "We're proud that KDI will have a voice at the table as we continue working together to support our customers and the broader business technology community."
Strengthening Industry Collaboration
As a member of the advisory board, Richards will contribute to discussions that shape future partner enablement, marketing approaches and go-to-market initiatives. Her involvement will help ensure that KDI continues to deliver strategic, customer-centric solutions while maintaining strong alignment with Intermedia's channel programs.
"I'm honored to represent KDI on Intermedia's Marketing Advisory Board," Richards said. "Intermedia has been a strong partner to us, and I look forward to working collaboratively with this group to support initiatives that benefit the entire channel."
* * *
Original text here: https://businesstechnologyassociation.growthzoneapp.com/news/Details/kdi-office-technology-named-2026-ricoh-provision-dealer-partner-for-third-consecutive-year-303508
[Category: Business]
ALTA Applauds Introduction of the Housing for the 21st Century Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release:
* * *
ALTA Applauds Introduction of the Housing for the 21st Century Act
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) issued the following statement regarding the Housing for the 21st Century Act:
ALTA applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, legislation designed to modernize federal housing policy and expand access to safe, sustainable homeownership. The title industry plays a critical role in protecting homebuyers and ensuring the reliability of real estate transactions,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release:
* * *
ALTA Applauds Introduction of the Housing for the 21st Century Act
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) issued the following statement regarding the Housing for the 21st Century Act:
ALTA applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, legislation designed to modernize federal housing policy and expand access to safe, sustainable homeownership. The title industry plays a critical role in protecting homebuyers and ensuring the reliability of real estate transactions,and ALTA appreciates the leadership of House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) in prioritizing policies that address housing supply, affordability and market stability.
"The Housing for the 21st Century Act reflects a meaningful step toward strengthening the housing ecosystem for today's buyers and future generations," said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. "By promoting responsible access to credit, supporting housing supply and modernizing key housing programs, this legislation helps ensure that more Americans have a clear path to homeownership."
* * *
About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/press-release/ALTA-Applauds-Introduction-of-the-Housing-for-the-21st-Century-Act
[Category: Real Estate]
ACP Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Amendment to SPEED Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 [Category: Energy] -- The American Clean Power Association posted the following news release:
* * *
ACP Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Amendment to SPEED Act
*
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from CEO Jason Grumet regarding the House Rules Committee's amendment to the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act (SPEED Act):
"Last night's Rules Committee action fundamentally changed legislation that represented genuine bipartisan progress on permitting reform. ACP is withdrawing our support for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 [Category: Energy] -- The American Clean Power Association posted the following news release:
* * *
ACP Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Amendment to SPEED Act
*
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from CEO Jason Grumet regarding the House Rules Committee's amendment to the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act (SPEED Act):
"Last night's Rules Committee action fundamentally changed legislation that represented genuine bipartisan progress on permitting reform. ACP is withdrawing our support forthe SPEED Act as currently amended.
"Our support for permitting reform has always rested on one principle: fixing a broken system for all energy resources. The amendment adopted last night violate that principle. Technology neutrality wasn't just good policyit was the political foundation that made reform achievable.
"Chairman Westerman's original legislation demonstrated that Congress could move beyond stale energy debates. It's disappointing that a partisan amendment in Rules Committee has now jeopardized that progress, turning what should have been a win for American energy into another missed opportunity.
"The underlying problem remains urgent: without permitting reform, energy prices will spike and grid reliability will deteriorate. American families and businesses need Congress to act. We look forward to working with Senate leaders to restore the balanced, technology-neutral approach that can actually become law."
* * *
The Honorable Mike Johnson, H-232, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, H-204, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Johnson and Democratic Leader Jeffries,
I am writing to withdraw the American Clean Power Association's support for the SPEED Act due to the poison pill amendment from Representative Harris added, in the Rules Committee, without a floor vote. This change in the Committee approved legislation, eviscerates the bipartisan language authored by Chairman Westerman and allows the administration to continue to discriminate against clean energy technologies.
To advance this previously bipartisan effort, I joined with my peers in the oil, gas and utility industries to support this legislation. Together, we wrote, "by establishing clear permitting milestones and reinforcing the certainty of fully permitted projects, the [SPEED ACT] reduces delays and provides greater confidence for investments in energy infrastructure." The Harris amendment completely upends this, injects permit uncertainty, and creates a pathway for fully permitted projects to be canceled even after the Act's passage. All this at a time of skyrocketing energy demand and increasing energy prices.
ACP appreciates the efforts of Chairman Westerman in addressing our nation's permitting framework in a thoughtful and meaningful way, but the changes made, harm our industry, America's energy security and the likelihood of real and durable permitting reform in this Congress. We will continue to work with both parties in the Senate to achieve technologyneutral permitting reform. It is unfortunate that the House has failed to advance a politically viable or principled legislative framework.
ACP cannot support the SPEED Act in its current form.
Sincerely,
Jason Grumet, Chief Executive Officer, American Clean Power Association
***
Original text here: https://cleanpower.org/news/acp-statement-on-house-natural-resources-committee-amendment-speed-act/
