Stephanie Salmon, Artemis Strategies; Jeff Hannapel & Christian Richter, The Policy Group, Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON ALERT


Carbon Emission Restrictions Proposed T


he U.S. Envi- ronmental Pro- tection Agency


(EPA) proposed rules on March 27 under the Clean Air Act that would limit carbon pollu- tion from coal-burning power plants and could mean higher energy prices for metalcasters. Te Standards of


Performance for Green- house Gas Emissions from New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generat- ing Units is the first-ever rule proposed to limit greenhouse emissions. Te rule was published in the Federal Register on April 13. Te rule requires every new power plant built in the U.S. to emit no more than 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour. Currently, the most efficient power plants do not achieve that standard. Alternatively, plants can utilize carbon capture technology, though it currently does not exist in the market. As proposed, the rule would not


ON THE HILL


OSHA Outlines Communication With Workplace Victim Families The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a directive on April 17 outlining an ap- proach for communicating with work- place fatality victim family members. The three-step approach includes initial communication, follow-up com- munication throughout the inspection and post-inspection communication. According to the agency, the new federal procedure ensures OSHA receives all necessary information regarding the victims, including job history. This also keeps the next of


kin informed from the beginning of the investigation to the end. At the close of the investigation, OSHA will explain its findings to the family and address any questions. If an employer has been is- sued citations, OSHA will provide a copy of the citations to the family.


NLRB Ruling Overturned The U.S. District Court of the District


of Columbia overturned the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) rule to streamline the union election process on May 14.


The rule was challenged by the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace


and several other groups, because a quorum did not participate in the final voting. The court went on to state that at least three members needed to participate, and the board lacked the necessary authority to issue the rule. The rule would have accelerated union elections by limiting the period between petition filing and voting to 20 days or fewer. Challengers to the rule argue it will deprive employers of their due process rights and put time on the side of the union.


NLRB is expected to appeal the decision and/or attempt to reissue the rule.


June 2012 MODERN CASTING | 15


PROPOSED RULE IS THE FIRST TO BE ISSUED BY THE U.S. EPA REGARDING COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS.


plants accounts for nearly half of U.S. energy needs. While coal-fired power is the most inexpensive source of electricity, forced clo- sures of plants that can- not meet the standard will lead to increased electric costs and stand to threaten reliability. Two pubic hearings


For the first time, EPA proposed a rule intended to curb carbon emissions from coal- fired power plants.


apply to power plants currently operating in the U.S., those that will be built over the next 12 months or plants that make modifications to boost capacity. According to EPA, the rule reflects


a trend in power plants attempting to build cleaner plants that rely on new technologies. Energy provided from coal-fired


were held for the pro- posed rule on May 24 in Chicago and Wash- ington, D.C. Public comments on the rule also have been extended to June 25. While environmen-


talists have praised the proposed rulings, coal


workers and industry proponents say it would result in a loss of American jobs, make American businesses less competitive and damage the economic recovery process. According to EPA, the rule


ensures power plants will continue making strides toward building cleaner plants and utilizing newly available technologies.


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