Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International issued the following news release:
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XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit
XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 concluded its gathering for the global autonomy and robotics industry, bringing together approximately 360 exhibitors from 43 countries alongside thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event reflected the industry's rapid growth, increasing strategic importance, and rising demand for autonomous systems across
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International issued the following news release:
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XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit
XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 concluded its gathering for the global autonomy and robotics industry, bringing together approximately 360 exhibitors from 43 countries alongside thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event reflected the industry's rapid growth, increasing strategic importance, and rising demand for autonomous systems acrosscommercial, civil, and defense applications.
"XPONENTIAL Europe showcased the innovation, collaboration, and expertise shaping the future of robotics and autonomous systems," said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. "Trusted partners from around the world participated in live technology demonstrations, shared insights, and forged connections that will strengthen resilient supply chains and drive the next generation of autonomous systems. We look forward to continuing the conversation and building on this momentum at XPONENTIAL in Detroit this May."
A Global Platform for Autonomy and Robotics
XPONENTIAL Europe reinforced its position as Europe's leading event for robotics and autonomous technologies, showcasing the full value chain, from components and sensors to AI-enabled systems and operational platforms across air, land, maritime, and space.
This year's program emphasized:
* Integration and governance, including regulatory harmonization and safety frameworks
* Defense, resilience, and critical infrastructure protection
* AI integration and investment to scale autonomy across industries
Keynotes brought together senior leaders from government, industry, and international institutions, including German Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, Gerald Wissel of the European Association for Unmanned Aviation (UAV DACH), Member of European Parliament Jan-Christoph Oetjen, and Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency Florian Guillermet, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
From Europe to Detroit
The outcomes of XPONENTIAL Europe underscore a broader shift toward real-world deployment of autonomous systems, with increasing alignment across industry, government, and research communities.
That momentum will continue at XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit this May. As the world's largest global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, the event will convene experts from more than 20 industries and 60 countries. Held in Detroit for the first time, it reflects the city's leadership in mobility, advanced manufacturing, and applied innovation.
As adoption accelerates, XPONENTIAL 2026 will bring together stakeholders to further advance solutions to the safety, trust, regulation, and commercialization challenges shaping how autonomy is deployed at scale.
Taking place May 11-14 at Huntington Place, the event builds on the momentum from XPONENTIAL Europe as the next key global convening point for the autonomy ecosystem. Attendees are encouraged to register now to take advantage of early bird rates, which expire today, March 27.
What You Will See on the Show Floor
XPONENTIAL 2026 will feature:
* Live demonstrations of drones, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and AI systems
* Industry applications spanning manufacturing, defense, logistics, public safety, and infrastructure inspection
* Media briefings with technology developers, end users, and industry leaders
* Defense integration via co-located Michigan Defense Exposition (MDEX), connecting stakeholders around emerging tech, acquisition priorities, and deployment
Media Registration
Credentialed media are invited to register for access to demonstrations, hands-on showcases, and interview opportunities with leaders shaping the future of autonomy.
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About AUVSI
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics industry. AUVSI advocates for policy, education, and innovation that support safe and productive use of uncrewed systems.
About Messe Dusseldorf
Messe Dusseldorf is among the most successful trade fair organizers worldwide, hosting around 40 events--20 of them international--at its 613,000-square-meter exhibition center in Dusseldorf, Germany. Across 18 halls, international market leaders and top decision-makers from various sectors come together every year to present and discover innovations, exchange ideas, and network.
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Original text here: https://www.auvsi.org/news/xponential-europe-advances-global-autonomy-and-mobility-setting-the-stage-for-xponential-2026-in-detroit/
[Category: National Defense]
Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration's Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, March 28 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration's Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture
Today, the American Soybean Association applauded President Trump, Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Secretary Brooke Rollins for finalizing historic renewable volume obligations for biomass-based diesel for 2026 and 2027, which will bolster U.S. soybean farmers and boost soy-based domestic biofuel production. The new RVO rule supports the directive of the
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri, March 28 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration's Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture
Today, the American Soybean Association applauded President Trump, Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Secretary Brooke Rollins for finalizing historic renewable volume obligations for biomass-based diesel for 2026 and 2027, which will bolster U.S. soybean farmers and boost soy-based domestic biofuel production. The new RVO rule supports the directive of theTrump Administration to champion American energy dominance, with the future intention to prioritize U.S.-grown biofuels.
"U.S. soybean farmers needed a win to boost domestic markets this year, and President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Rollins delivered in a big way. ASA is grateful for the tireless efforts of EPA and USDA to ensure the soy biofuel value chain could benefit from the strongest RVOs ever finalized," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and farmer from Ohio. "The 2026-2027 RVOs will increase soybean oil use, boost U.S. soybean processing, and grow domestic biofuel markets for our crop. ASA and our soybean farmer members applaud the Trump Administration for getting this tremendous rule across the finish line."
The updated 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligation rule will increase biomass-based diesel blending to approximately 5.4-5.5 billion gallons--an over 60% increase from 2025 volumes. Further, the rule reallocates 70% of retroactive 2023-2025 small refinery exemption volumes that EPA took action on last year in addition to the 2026-2027 compliance years. ASA appreciated EPA clearing a significant backlog of legacy SREs dating back to 2016, which were remanded to the agency, and is glad to see a significant reallocation of volumes back into the blending pool to support additional biofuel production and increase soybean demand.
While the rule does not make immediate changes to prioritize domestically sourced biofuel feedstocks, ASA celebrated the EPA announcement to reduce credit generation for imported biofuels and biofuel feedstocks beginning in 2028. If maintained in the next RVOs, the credit reduction for imports will serve as a significant economic driver for the entire domestic biomass-based diesel value chain and will catalyze domestic demand for U.S. soy.
Domestic biofuel production accounts for over half of all domestic soybean oil consumption and serves as a critical U.S. market for soybean farmers. Renewable volume obligations set through the Renewable Fuel Standard are the cornerstone of driving domestic soy-based biofuel demand. The EPA 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligations are the most significant year-over-year improvement in Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking for biomass-based diesel and, subsequently, for U.S. soybean farmers.
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Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/soybean-farmers-applaud-trump-administrations-historic-biofuel-blending-rule-to-bolster-domestic-demand-for-agriculture/
[Category: Agriculture]
New York Appellate Court Prevents Enforcement of Key Refrigerant Ban Provision
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 28 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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New York Appellate Court Prevents Enforcement of Key Refrigerant Ban Provision
The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, has issued a ruling that temporarily prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants utilized in the maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems employed by numerous businesses throughout the state. The court has granted an
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 28 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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New York Appellate Court Prevents Enforcement of Key Refrigerant Ban Provision
The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, has issued a ruling that temporarily prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants utilized in the maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems employed by numerous businesses throughout the state. The court has granted anOrder to Show Cause in the ongoing legal challenge to the state's refrigerant regulations brought by Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).
As part of the court's decision, the existing enforcement discretion pertaining to R-404A and R-507A set to expire on March 31, 2026, is extended, and the NYSDEC is enjoined and restrained from enforcing the prohibition contained in Part 494-1.4(f)(1) pending a determination on HARDI's request for a preliminary injunction.
This action provides immediate and critical relief to businesses across New York that rely on refrigerants to maintain safe and reliable food storage, distribution, and retail operations. A recent study by HARDI found that an estimated 18,130 refrigeration systems rely on the refrigerants protected by this court order, and that if the prohibition ultimately is allowed to take effect, it will cost the state $106.2 million in economic output. The court's decision ensures that the current supply of refrigerants can continue to be used while the request for a preliminary injunction is decided.
"HARDI thanks the court for recognizing there is a critical issue with the refrigerant prohibition in Part 494," said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs. "The court recognized the urgency of the situation and the need to prevent disruption while these serious legal and practical concerns are fully considered."
HARDI and industry stakeholders have consistently warned that the refrigerant restrictions in Part 494, particularly the prohibition on commonly used refrigerants, are not aligned with current market realities. Supply constraints and limited alternatives have raised significant concerns about businesses' ability to comply without jeopardizing operations.
Without relief, HARDI warned that the regulation would lead to refrigerant shortages that could disrupt food supply chains, increase costs, and impact consumers statewide.
By granting the Order to Show Cause and temporarily blocking enforcement of the prohibition, the court has preserved market stability and provided time for a determination on the request for a preliminary injunction.
"This decision reinforces what we have been saying all along: the timeline and structure of Part 494 are unworkable," Ayers added. "We remain committed to pursuing a durable solution that protects the environment, ensures viability of essential refrigeration, and prevents unnecessary cost increases for consumers."
The case will now proceed as the court considers whether to grant a preliminary injunction. In the meantime, HARDI is urging the New York State Legislature to take action to address the underlying issues with Part 494 and ensure a more practical, coordinated approach that aligns with federal standards and avoids unnecessary harm to consumers and businesses.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/new-york-appellate-court-prevents-enforcement-of-key-refrigerant-ban
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, March 28 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers
President Trump released the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard during an event today for farmers at the White House.
Growers also noted the approach to the partial reallocation of small refinery exemptions, the mark was set at 70%.
In response to the development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower, who was present
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CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, March 28 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers
President Trump released the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard during an event today for farmers at the White House.
Growers also noted the approach to the partial reallocation of small refinery exemptions, the mark was set at 70%.
In response to the development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower, who was presentat the White House for the announcement, issued the following statement:
"Our deep thanks goes to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for releasing these robust RVO numbers in an exceptionally timely manner and, appropriately, during an event honoring America's farmers. This action provides certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry.
"Today's announcement, coupled with the Trump administration's E15 summertime waiver earlier this week, is a positive move for the nation's corn growers who are navigating an exceptionally difficult economic environment.
"There is still more to be done to help our growers, and we look forward to working side-by-side with the president and our allies in Congress to get permanent year-round E15 legislation over the finish line."
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Original text here: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2026/03/national-corn-growers-association-president-applauds-release-of-rvo-numbers
[Category: Agriculture]
Clean Fuels Applauds EPA's Final 2026-2027 RFS Rules
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, March 28 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Clean Fuels Applauds EPA's Final 2026-2027 RFS Rules
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America thanked the Environmental Protection Agency for finalizing robust biomass-based diesel volumes in the 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard rule. The RFS rule provides much-needed certainty to biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and other stakeholders in the clean fuel value chain, including farmers, feedstock providers, and oilseed processors.
Kurt Kovarik, Clean
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, March 28 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Clean Fuels Applauds EPA's Final 2026-2027 RFS Rules
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America thanked the Environmental Protection Agency for finalizing robust biomass-based diesel volumes in the 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard rule. The RFS rule provides much-needed certainty to biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and other stakeholders in the clean fuel value chain, including farmers, feedstock providers, and oilseed processors.
Kurt Kovarik, CleanFuels' Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, "The entire U.S. clean fuel industry - from farmers and feedstock providers to fuel customers - is grateful to see this rule finalized. U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF producers are eager to get to work and bring the 7 billion gallons of existing production capacity up to speed to meet 10% or more of America's demand for diesel fuel."
In 2025, biodiesel and renewable diesel facilities were forced to shut down or run far below prior-year production levels due to market uncertainty. U.S. biodiesel production declined by one-third in 2025, compared to 2024.
Kovarik continued, "The robust biomass-based diesel volumes set in this rule support America's farmers and consumers. Biodiesel and renewable diesel represent 10% of the value of every bushel of U.S.-grown soybeans, contributing to President Trump's desire for American energy dominance and domestic market demand for agriculture commodities. American farmers and other feedstock providers are eager for the growing domestic clean fuel market to drive value in agriculture, along with economic growth and job creation in rural communities. American consumers are desperate for secure, affordable domestic energy. Today's rule is a clear win for the nation's energy security."
Last year, Clean Fuels coordinated with all industry stakeholders to advocate a robust RFS biomass-based diesel volume of at least 5.25 billion gallons for 2026. EPA delivered effective volumes of 8.86 billion RINs for 2026 and 8.95 billion RINs for 2027.
EPA is setting supplemental volumes to account for the economic harm that small refinery exemptions inflict on U.S. farmers, oilseed processors, and the biomass-based diesel industry: 210 million RINs in 2026 and 250 million RINs in 2027. EPA's rule also contains a mechanism to account for projected small refinery exemptions in 2026 and 2027; this will ensure that the required volumes set today are met over the next two years.
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ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA
Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America's clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.
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Original text here: https://cleanfuels.org/clean-fuels-applauds-epas-final-2026-2027-rfs-rules/
[Category: Energy]
American Council of Life Insurers Applauds FSOC's Proposed Activities-Based Guidance for Financial Oversight
WASHINGTON, March 28 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement on March 27, 2026:
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Applauds FSOC's Proposed Activities-Based Guidance for Financial Oversight
ACLI President and CEO David Chavern comments on FSOC's proposed guidance for financial oversight.
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO David Chavern issued the following statement on the Financial Stability Oversight Council's (FSOC) proposed interpretive guidance for nonbank financial company designations:
"The
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WASHINGTON, March 28 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement on March 27, 2026:
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Applauds FSOC's Proposed Activities-Based Guidance for Financial Oversight
ACLI President and CEO David Chavern comments on FSOC's proposed guidance for financial oversight.
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO David Chavern issued the following statement on the Financial Stability Oversight Council's (FSOC) proposed interpretive guidance for nonbank financial company designations:
"TheAdministration's approach is forward-thinking for financial oversight and America's economic strength. By focusing on activities rather than individual entities and by recognizing the role of primary regulators, FSOC is providing effective leadership for consumers and the financial system on which they depend."
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The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI's member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers' financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI's 275 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.acli.com/posting/nr26-022
ALPA Calls on Congress to Pay TSA Workers Before Leaving Town
MCLEAN, Virginia, March 28 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following statement on March 27,2026:
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ALPA Calls on Congress to Pay TSA Workers Before Leaving Town
Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement today calling on Congress to act immediately and pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) transportation security officers (TSOs) before departing for spring recess, as thousands of these aviation security workers face a second consecutive pay period with no compensation.
"TSA TSOs are
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MCLEAN, Virginia, March 28 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following statement on March 27,2026:
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ALPA Calls on Congress to Pay TSA Workers Before Leaving Town
Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement today calling on Congress to act immediately and pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) transportation security officers (TSOs) before departing for spring recess, as thousands of these aviation security workers face a second consecutive pay period with no compensation.
"TSA TSOs areexpected to show up every day to keep America's skies safe and secure. These dedicated professionals will see their second zero dollar paycheck today. They are still worrying about mortgages, childcare, and keeping the lights on, yet they keep coming to work without being paid.
"Airline pilots see it firsthand every time we fly: colleagues showing up, doing their jobs. This is the third time in six months that TSA agents have been held hostage to a budget standoff--twice leaving them without pay. The only thing consistent about their paychecks is that they can't count on them. It's shameful. Congress has the ability to do the right thing, and it is long past time they did."
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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 X @ALPAPilots.
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Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/03/congress-pay-tsa-workers-before-leaving-town
[Category: Transportation]
