Tags: Government Relations



Issue Summary: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) ensures chemical safety in the workplace by requiring chemical manufacturers to provide information through labels, safety data sheets, and training to employees about hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to.

May 17, 2023

Issue Summary: Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill is a critical piece of legislation that reduces or suspends tariffs on imported materials not available in the U.S., or not available in sufficient quantities. The bill is relied upon by U.S. manufacturers, particularly small to mid-size companies like many SOCMA manufacturer members, who make essential products that go into everyday goods.

May 9, 2023

Advocacy in Action | SOCMA Voices Concern Over Changes to MPU Exclusion, Hazardous Waste Incineration Backlog Hindering Production

SOCMA advocated on our member companies’ behalf with EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) about the impact that changes to the Manufacturing Process Unit (MPU) Exclusion under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) have on specialty chemical facilities. The meeting also focused on the Definition of Solid Waste and the impeding backlog of hazardous secondary waste incineration.

May 5, 2023


Issue Summary: Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) significantly expands FDA’s rulemaking and enforcement authority over cosmetics and creates substantial new compliance obligations for manufacturers, packers, and distributors of cosmetics intended for sale in the United States.

March 30, 2023

Issue Summary: TSCA Fees Rule

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) including the 2016 Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act (LCSA) amendments grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to collect fees from chemical manufacturers and importers to offset up to 25% of the costs associated with the overall implementation and administration of TSCA.

January 20, 2023

SOCMA Statement on EPA Proposed Rule on Risk Management Program (RMP)

SOCMA Vice President, Legal and Government Relations, Robert F. Helminiak released the following statement addressing the significant problems with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule on Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention, also know as the Risk Management Program (RMP). 

August 31, 2022

SOCMA Statement on USTR Court Brief and 301 Exclusions

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) Vice President, Legal and Government Relations, Robert F. Helminiak released a statement today explaining that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) does not have an adequate exemption or exclusion process for Section 301 China Tariffs.

August 12, 2022

SOCMA Engages USTR on 301 Tariffs

SOCMA recently submitted a formal letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Katherine Tai, requesting a meeting on the 301 China Tariffs. The purpose of the meeting is not only to urge USTR to reopen the exclusion process for chemicals imported from China, but to educate and inform USTR on the concerns and impacts of the tariffs on the specialty chemicals industry.

February 14, 2022