Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Water Quality Association: Collins, Pingree Honored for Industry Support
LISLE, Illinois, May 16 -- The Water Quality Association issued the following news release:
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) have been honored with Water Quality Leadership Awards for their work to improve access to safer, healthier drinking water across the country. The presentations came during the annual Water Resources Congressional Summit, hosted by the Water Quality Association and the National Groundwater Association on May 7 as part of Drinking Water Week.
WQA is grateful to Sen. Collins and Rep. Pingree for their leadership on water policy issues, both
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LISLE, Illinois, May 16 -- The Water Quality Association issued the following news release:
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) have been honored with Water Quality Leadership Awards for their work to improve access to safer, healthier drinking water across the country. The presentations came during the annual Water Resources Congressional Summit, hosted by the Water Quality Association and the National Groundwater Association on May 7 as part of Drinking Water Week.
WQA is grateful to Sen. Collins and Rep. Pingree for their leadership on water policy issues, bothin their home state and across the country," said WQA Government Affairs Director Jeremy Pollack. "We applaud their work to help improve water in rural communities through their sponsorship of the Healthy H2O Act."
Collins, serving her fifth senate term, is Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ex officio member of the United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Her longstanding interest in health and health care has inspired her efforts in diabetes research, Alzheimer's, and prescription drug affordability.
Pingree sits on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment and the Subcommittee on Agriculture. She is also a member of the House Agriculture Committee and recently secured funding to improve water resource resiliency in Maine. Pingree is serving her seventh House term.
Collins and Pingree are among the sponsors of the Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act - commonly known as the Healthy H2O Act - which would establish a new program at the USDA to improve drinking water quality in rural areas including for those who depend on private wells.
The grants would cover the costs of water quality testing in communities. If the presence of one or more health contaminants is detected, grants would also be made available for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of point-of-use and point-of-entry water filtration systems certified to address them.
Nearly 100 people attended this year's Summit, including lawmakers, government officials, and officials from non-profits. WQA members met with lawmakers and their staffs in small-group sessions the next day, May 8.
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Original text here: https://wqa.org/news/collins-pingree-honored-for-industry-support/
[Category: Water]
USCBC Statement on USTR's Section 301 Announcement
WASHINGTON, May 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S.-China Business Council issued the following statement on May 14, 2024:
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The US-China Business Council (USCBC), a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of 270 American companies that do business in China, expressed disappointment in the results of the Office of the US Trade Representative's (USTR) four-year Section 301 investigation announced today.
"While today's announcement was not unexpected, we are disappointed with the outcome because maintenance of the prior tariffs--with no reductions--and imposition of additional tariffs ultimately
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WASHINGTON, May 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S.-China Business Council issued the following statement on May 14, 2024:
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The US-China Business Council (USCBC), a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of 270 American companies that do business in China, expressed disappointment in the results of the Office of the US Trade Representative's (USTR) four-year Section 301 investigation announced today.
"While today's announcement was not unexpected, we are disappointed with the outcome because maintenance of the prior tariffs--with no reductions--and imposition of additional tariffs ultimatelymake it harder for American companies to compete in the US and abroad, cost American jobs, and increase prices for US manufacturers and consumers during a time of ongoing inflation," USCBC President Craig Allen said. "As USCBC requested in our public comments, we appreciate USTR's creation of a tariff exclusion process so that US companies can request needed and common-sense relief, but its scope appears narrow. We look forward to participating in the public comment process on USTR's actions to develop the most constructive outcome possible for our members and the US economy overall."
In January 2023, USCBC submitted formal comments as part of USTR's review process. The Council has long advocated for the US government to coordinate its unilateral efforts with like-minded countries and supports efforts to strategically identify and address unfair Chinese economic practices that harm US companies and their ability to do business in China.
"USCBC understands that USTR is seeking to be more strategic with the new tariffs, but given that the prior tariffs have not sufficiently addressed US government and USCBC concerns about China's unfair market practices, it is unclear how continuing those and piling more tariffs on will be any more effective," Allen said. "Additionally, levying new tariffs invites retaliation from China, which combined could further disadvantage US companies selling goods and services in China's market compared to their foreign competitors."
Established in 1973, USCBC represents many of the world's largest brands doing business in China and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
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Editor's note: A copy of the White House fact sheet on USTR's action is available here (https://www.uschina.org/sites/default/files/white_house_fact_sheet_president_biden_takes_action_to_protect_american_workers_and_businesses_from_chinas_unfair_trade_practices.pdf).
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REPORT: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/05.13.2024%20Four%20Year%20Review%20of%20China%20Tech%20Transfer%20Section%20301%20(Final)%20rev.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.uschina.org/media/press/uscbc-statement-ustr-section-301-2024
[Category: Business]
Muscular Dystrophy Association Celebrates Historic Advancements in Accessible Air Travel as Congress Passes FAA Reauthorization
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 16 -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) celebrates a landmark achievement in accessible air travel as Congress grants final passage to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill - H.R.3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3935). The bipartisan effort, following months of negotiation, represents the most significant improvement in air travel for people living with
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CHICAGO, Illinois, May 16 -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) celebrates a landmark achievement in accessible air travel as Congress grants final passage to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill - H.R.3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3935). The bipartisan effort, following months of negotiation, represents the most significant improvement in air travel for people living withdisabilities in nearly 40 years and makes strides towards ensuring safer and more dignified air travel experiences for everyone.
The FAA reauthorization bill, bolstered by provisions championed by MDA, addresses crucial aspects of accessibility in air travel, including the establishment of pathways to wheelchair spots on airplanes, the requirement for continued study on safe wheelchair tie-down systems and evacuation standards for passengers with disabilities, greater information on onboard wheelchair provision and enhanced training standards for assisting passengers who use wheelchairs and for safe stowage of wheelchairs. Additionally, the bill aims to streamline and improve the Department of Transportation (DOT) complaint process and increase representation of individuals living with disabilities on passenger experience committees.
"The FAA reauthorization is an important step to creating an equitable, safe, and dignified travel experience for people with neuromuscular and related disabilities," said Donald S. Wood, PhD, President and CEO, MDA. "This passage is the most significant advancement in accessible air travel in nearly four decades. We're extremely proud of the collaboration between MDA, our advocates, and government leaders, which helped bring this new standard for accessible travel into law."
"The Muscular Dystrophy Association's Accessible Air Travel advocacy campaign channeled the neuromuscular and the entire disability communities' efforts to make it quite clear that mistreating people and damaging wheelchairs during air travel is unacceptable. We are grateful to the House and Senate for prioritizing accessibility improvements needed by the community," said Paul Melmeyer, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy, MDA.
Following today's Congressional vote, the President is expected to sign the bill into law. Even with today's momentous news, MDA will remain actively engaged in the implementation process and will continue to advocate for future reforms that prioritize the needs of people with disabilities. MDA on the Hill continues to be a tremendous force as advocates meet with lawmakers in person; in 2023, our advocates visited their legislators to catalyze the effort to ensure that the final FAA reauthorization bill reflected the shared vision of enhanced accessibility and inclusivity in air travel.
"MDA extends its gratitude to Congress for their unwavering support and bipartisan collaboration in advancing these critical initiatives," said Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment, MDA. "With the final passage of the FAA reauthorization bill, the entire community of families served by Muscular Dystrophy Association look forward to a future where air travel is truly accessible to all."
"Finally, with the new reforms included in the FAA Reauthorization, there's hope for a transformation in air travel for people with disabilities. No longer should boarding a flight feel like an out-of-body experience fraught with fear and uncertainty. As someone with muscular dystrophy, I've faced the harsh reality of inadequate training and misconceptions about my needs. Being loaded onto a plane isn't a privilege; it's a necessity to shield others from the indignity and pain we endure during transfers. We've fought tirelessly for inclusion in society, from public buildings to workplaces, and accessible air travel is our right, not a mere courtesy. It's time for airlines to recognize our voices and uphold their obligations under the law, ensuring that every passenger, regardless of ability, can fly with dignity and respect," said Madison Lawson, MDA Advocate, journalist and disability rights activist.
MDA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering collaboration between lawmakers, disability advocacy groups, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and other stakeholders to ensure that this final FAA reauthorization bill is fully implemented and results in a better flying experience for individuals with disabilities.
MDA is grateful to Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Ted Cruz, Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Garrett Graves, Congressman Steve Cohen, and Congresswoman Dina Titus who collectively ensured this legislation would transform accessible air travel for the better. MDA also thanks its advocacy partners, particularly Paralyzed Veterans of America, for their steadfast collaboration.
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About MDA's Accessible Air Travel Advocacy Campaign
In May 2023, MDA Advocates went to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers who sit on key committees about accessible air travel for inclusion in the FAA reauthorization. In addition to this video, featuring Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment, MDA released a companion video featuring MDA Advocate and disability activist Madison Lawson, which documents a treacherous experience on a recent flight. That video garnered over 2 million views and thousands of messages to Capitol Hill. MDA Advocate Maceo Carter also shared his experience with damage to his wheelchair in USA Today. In total, MDA advocates have sent over 10,600 messages to lawmakers since 2023 urging them to make air travel accessible for people living with disabilities.
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About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives.
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Original text here: https://www.mda.org/press-releases/2024/mda-celebrates-historic-advancements-in-accessible-air-travel-as-congress-passes-faa-reauthorization
[Category: Health Care]
Clean Fuels Alliance America: Groups Urge Treasury to Promptly Complete Section 45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit Guidance
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, 25 trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the Sec.45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit as soon as possible. The new credit, adopted in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is designed to incentivize domestic production of low-carbon fuels on a technology-neutral basis. The value of the credit is based
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, 25 trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the Sec.45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit as soon as possible. The new credit, adopted in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is designed to incentivize domestic production of low-carbon fuels on a technology-neutral basis. The value of the credit is basedon the life-cycle greenhouse gas emission score of each fuel.
"With the Sec. 45Z credit set to take effect January 1, 2025, our member companies and organizations may face significant headwinds and business risk if this guidance is not published promptly," the groups write. "Any extended delays in publication of guidance for the Sec. 45Z credit may disrupt project timelines, impede capital flows, and threaten existing production and demand for low carbon renewable fuels."
Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America, added, "U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are facing uncertainty as the transition from the biodiesel and renewable diesel blender credit to the producer credit. They are facing difficulties already as they try to negotiate feedstock and fuel offtake contracts for next year. The need for policy certainty is urgent."
Joining Clean Fuels in signing the letter are Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Airlines for America, Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition, American Biogas Council, American Short Line and Regional Railroads Association, American Soybean Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, Association of American Railroads, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Cargo Airline Association, Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Growth Energy, Methanol Institute, National Air Transportation Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, North American Renderers Association, Renewable Fuel Association, SAF Coalition, U.S. Canola Association, Vertical Aviation International, and Waste Gas Capture Initiative.
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Original text here: https://cleanfuels.org/groups-urge-treasury-to-promptly-complete-%c2%a745z-clean-fuels-production-credit-guidance/
[Category: Energy]
Association of the U.S. Army: Indo-Pacific Success Requires 'All of Us Together'
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 16 -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
Strong partnerships and a sense of urgency are critical to maintaining a safe and open Indo-Pacific, a panel of experts said May 14 during the Association of the U.S. Army's LANPAC Symposium and Exposition.
"Everything we do here is inherently joint, and what we do here really matters," said Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commanding general of I Corps. "The things we're going to accomplish of significance in this region will take all of us together."
This includes training and exercising with partners and allies,
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 16 -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
Strong partnerships and a sense of urgency are critical to maintaining a safe and open Indo-Pacific, a panel of experts said May 14 during the Association of the U.S. Army's LANPAC Symposium and Exposition.
"Everything we do here is inherently joint, and what we do here really matters," said Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commanding general of I Corps. "The things we're going to accomplish of significance in this region will take all of us together."
This includes training and exercising with partners and allies,building joint interior lines--compact lines of maneuver, communications and logistics--and strengthening what leaders refer to as the land power network, Brunson said during a panel discussion titled "Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts--Integration of All Domains for the Coalition, Joint Campaign."
Marcia Holmes, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for mission capabilities, agreed. "Our biggest strength in this area is with our allies and partners," she said.
As an example, DoD is "accelerating advanced technologies" through its trilateral security partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom, also known as AUKUS. DoD also has entered a partnership with Japan's ministry of defense and is strengthening its alliances with countries such as the Philippines and South Korea, Holmes said.
"We truly believe the U.S. military and the alliances are greater than the strength of their parts," she said.
In addition to training, the Army also is actively conducting experiments in the region, said Lt. Gen. David Hodne, director of Army Futures Command's Futures and Concepts Center. Citing as an example the recently completed Project Convergence capstone event, Hodne said the Army "certainly gets a lot of value" out of experimenting on new and emerging technologies in real-world scenarios across the Indo-Pacific.
For the next Project Convergence capstone event, Hodne said the Army's goal is to conduct it "forward and distributed in theater" in the Indo-Pacific.
Looking ahead, Brunson and Hodne both talked about having a sense of urgency as the Army prepares for the future.
Brunson said he worries about "the time we have available to prepare for the next thing."
"We only have so much time that we can be engaged at the levels that we're at before we get to the end of our time," he said. "Woe to us if we say, if I'd only made that association, if I'd only made that call."
Hodne added that while 2040--a milestone for many Army transformation efforts--may seem far in the future, "there is an urgency."
"The time it takes to research, experiment, prototype, build and field, if there are new capabilities, ... we've got to begin that work now, or else it won't be in formations by the time 2040 rolls around," Hodne said. "There's an urgency. You can feel it."
The Futures and Concepts Center also is working to coherently share and employ lessons learned with partners and allies. "What lessons are allies and partners learning?" he said. "Time is not in our favor."
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Original text here: https://www.ausa.org/news/indo-pacific-success-requires-all-us-together
[Category: National Defense]
Association of the U.S. Army: Army Continues Growing Partnerships in Indo-Pacific
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 16 -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
Cooperation between the U.S. Army and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow rapidly, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific said.
"Our activities are moving quickly from bilateral to multilateral," Gen. Charles Flynn said, adding that engagements and cooperation have "increased tenfold over the last three to four years."
Additionally, "our training has increased in realism and with a sense of urgency in developing new concepts and creating new capabilities," Flynn said May 15 during
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 16 -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
Cooperation between the U.S. Army and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow rapidly, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific said.
"Our activities are moving quickly from bilateral to multilateral," Gen. Charles Flynn said, adding that engagements and cooperation have "increased tenfold over the last three to four years."
Additionally, "our training has increased in realism and with a sense of urgency in developing new concepts and creating new capabilities," Flynn said May 15 duringa panel discussion on forward positioning and tactical defense at the Association of the U.S. Army's 2024 LANPAC Symposium and Exposition in Honolulu.
As an example, there were about 30,000 troops from several countries training in Australia during the recent Talisman Sabre exercise, he said. Garuda Shield in Indonesia has grown from two participating countries to 15 and then 19.
This growing scale of exercises in the region makes training "exponentially harder, but it's also helping us practice and rehearse," Flynn said.
Allies and partners must continue to train together, said Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, chief of the Australian army. "We're getting better and faster every day," he said.
While the goal for the U.S. and its partners is to deter conflict, the joint and combined force also must be ready to fight if needed, Stuart said. "We must always assume by the way we plan and execute, [that] in the case of deterrence failing, we would need to transition to offense," he said. "We would need to develop relevant and credible forces that can transition to the offense and can defeat any oppressor."
Another challenge for the combined force is to make sure it is positioned correctly across the vast Indo-Pacific, Stuart said. "The distances and scale are breathtaking," he said. "If you're already there alongside allies and partners, it helps defeat the tyranny of distance."
Presence is especially important on the Korean peninsula, where there are heightened military tensions, said Gen. An Su Park, chief of staff of the Republic of Korea Army.
Speaking through a translator, Park said that North Korea continues to try escalating tensions and still finds a way to seek funding for its nuclear and missile programs. North Korea also continues "colluding" with China and Russia, "worsening our security environment," Park said.
"In order to deter further provocation, close cooperation with likeminded countries like ours are essential," Park said, adding that South Korea "would like to see more opportunities" to build multilateral cooperation.
Gen. Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, agreed. Also speaking through a translator, Morishita voiced his support for more opportunities to train and work together.
Looking ahead, "we're on an accelerated trajectory," Stuart said about working and training together. "There's great unity of effort, and we're bringing it all together in a more coherent campaign approach in the coming year."
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Original text here: https://www.ausa.org/news/army-continues-growing-partnerships-indo-pacific
[Category: National Defense]
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International Commends Final Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill, Including BVLOS, Powered-Lift Rulemaking Requirements
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 16 -- The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 by a vote of 387 - 26 following the U.S. Senate's 88 - 4 passage of the bill last week.
The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the FAA through Fiscal Year 2028 and requires the FAA to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for UAS operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) within four months. The bill also includes a mandate for the FAA
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 16 -- The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 by a vote of 387 - 26 following the U.S. Senate's 88 - 4 passage of the bill last week.
The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the FAA through Fiscal Year 2028 and requires the FAA to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for UAS operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) within four months. The bill also includes a mandate for the FAAto publish a final special rule for operations of powered lift aircraft within seven months, which will help to meaningfully move the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry forward. The legislation also includes key measures supported by AUVSI regarding grant programs, cyber security, workforce training, and autonomy, among dozens of other priorities of AUVSI and its members.
On behalf of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), President and CEO Michael Robbins issued the following supportive statement:
"AUVSI is proud to announce that the FAA Reauthorization Act includes multiple measures we have advocated for, and which will usher in meaningful progress toward the safe integration of drones and AAM within the national airspace system. AUVSI commends leaders in both chambers who worked to finalize multi-year FAA reauthorization in support of U.S. global tech competitiveness and meaningful growth of in advanced aviation and autonomy.
We look forward to working with the FAA and Administrator Whitaker on the implementation of Congressional mandates on key issues for our industries, including a Part 108 BVLOS rule and a special final rule for powered lift aircraft operations, which will safely unlock scalability and new, high-value commercial drone and AAM operations."
AUSVI also published an analysis of key provisions in the bill that are relevant to the UAS and AAM industries; read the document here (https://www.auvsi.org/sites/default/files/FAA-Reauthorization-2024.pdf).
https://www.auvsi.org/auvsi-commends-final-passage-faa-reauthorization-bill-including-bvlos-and-powered-lift-rulemaking
[Category: National Defense]
