WASHINGTON ALERT
Metalcasters Alliance Government Affairs Representative—Waterman & Assoc., Washington, D.C.
Congress Has Full Docket The U.S. Congress returns from its break to focus on the economy.
T
his year is positioned to be a busy year in the U.S. Con- gress as representatives race to complete action before the November mid-term election.
The greatest amount of discussion will be on how to deal with the ailing economy and continued high unem- ployment rates. The major issues that are expected
to impact the metalcasting industry in 2010 include: • Jobs Bill—Congress intends to focus on the economy and legislation to create jobs in 2010.
• Energy and Climate Change—The House passed comprehensive energy and climate change legislation in 2009. A consensus on what structure a cap- and-trade system would take in the Sen- ate has not formed, but strong desire exists in both chambers to pass other energy-related bills that would curb pollution blamed for global warming.
• Workplace Legislation—Lawmakers could consider a wide range of labor and employment issues, includ- ing labor-management relations, employment nondiscrimination, oc- cupational safety and health reform, immigration, union organizing and paid leave mandates.
• Tax Reform—A broad range of tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003 are set to expire on Dec. 31, resulting in significantly higher tax rates for busi- nesses and individuals. Congress will have to consider whether to extend or modify existing tax law.
• Clean Water Restoration—The House may consider legislation significantly expanding federal jurisdiction over waters and wetlands under the Clean Water Act and require all construction activity to obtain a permit first. The Senate is working on a compromise.
• Immigration—The Obama Admin- istration and some congressional leaders have indicated they want to tackle comprehensive immigration reform this year. On the regulatory front, both the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have outlined ambitious agendas that begin with an increased enforcement emphasis. OSHA is expected to accelerate cur- rent rulemaking on beryllium, silica, cranes and derricks, hazard commu- nication, and combustible dust and initiate a new rule mandating minimum standards for occupational safety and health programs.
MC On the Hill
EPA Releases Stringent Ozone Proposal The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) issued a proposal in January for a more stringent primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard to protect human health, as well as a more stringent secondary standard to protect the environment. If adopted, the proposed rule would increase the number of non-attainment areas that will require reductions in emission standards and require offsets in order to develop new sources and a continued focus on reducing automotive emissions. According to EPA’s own esti-
mates, the proposed pollution re- ductions would increase costs by as much as $90 billion a year by 2020. The agency plans to issue a final rule by Aug. 31.
MC
A copy of the proposal is located on EPA’s website:
www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution.
Senate Republicans Trying to Block EPA Finding Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), rank-
ing member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is work- ing to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ruling that green- house gases endanger human health and welfare. She plans to introduce a resolution that would halt the agency’s efforts to finalize two climate regula- tions—the Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule and the Vehicle Rule—due out by March. The resolution would need to pass the House and Senate by simple majorities. President Obama would likely veto the measure.
MC Congress will be focusing on legislation to promote job creation this year. 22
House Passes Tax Extenders Package In December, the House passed legislation to extend many tax provi- sions scheduled to expire at the end of 2009. The legislation would extend $31 billion in existing tax cuts, along with a variety of measures. Those of interest to metalcasters include the research and development tax credit; exception under Subpart F for active financing income; biodiesel, renewable diesel and alternative fuels credit; new markets tax credit; election to expense “Brownfield” environmental remediation costs; elec- tion to deduct state and local sales tax; railroad track maintenance credit; and extension of the employer wage credit for activated military reservists.
MC MODERN CASTING / February 2010
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