Non-Ferrous Founders' Society Electronic Newsletter

The NFFS Electronic Newsletter is published twice per month, providing Society members with timely information and resources that affect thier businesses. Historical copies of the E-newsletter are available below:

October 14, 2011

- White House Sends Free Trade Agreements to Capitol Hill 
- NLRB Delays Posting Requirements Rule
- OSHA To Host Meeting re: Occupational Noise 
- OSHA Cites US Pipe and Foundry for Violations at AL Plant 
- NFFS Announce Website Changes, Enhancements

October 28, 2011

November 16, 2011

- Deficit Supercommittee Could Seek More Time
- Analysis Finds New Health Insurance Tax Will Increase Premium Costs
- New Treasury Report on Small Business Tax Credit
- China's Wind Turbine Sector in Trouble

November 30, 2011

- EPA May Face Bigger Budget Cuts As 'Supercommittee' Fails
- Making “Chicken Salad”
- Administration Faces Growing Call To Limit Low-Level Lead Exposures
- Labor Board Facing Possible Shutdown Over Union-Rule Dispute

December 9, 2011

-Wisconsin Profitable Sustainability Funds an Additional 30 Companies
-New Commerce Secretary Says U.S. Won’t Accept China Ignoring Trade Rules
-Congress Poised To Block Handful Of EPA Policies, Cut FY12 Budget
-Russia to Join WTO
-U.S. Industrial Outlook: Manufacturing Experiencing a Rebound, But Some Deceleration Expected in 2012

December 28, 2011

-Wisconsin Profitable Sustainability Funds an Additional 30 Companies
-New Commerce Secretary Says U.S. Won’t Accept China Ignoring Trade Rules
-Congress Poised To Block Handful Of EPA Policies, Cut FY12 Budget
-Russia to Join WTO
-U.S. Industrial Outlook: Manufacturing Experiencing a Rebound, But Some Deceleration Expected in 2012

January 13, 2012

- Free Webinar to Explain EPA NESHAP 6X Rule
- Government Affairs Committee Invites Member Participation at Its Upcoming
Meeting
- NLRB Delays Posting Rule
- McGladrey Monitor Offers Best Practices of Thriving and Growing Companies
- DC Court Vacates Boiler MACT Stay
- Does Secondary Lead Smelter Rule Set an Illegal Precedent

January 27, 2012

- OSHA Publishes Injury and Illness Prevention Programs White Paper
- Panel Urges Administration To Strengthen Regulatory Reviews
- EPA Promises “Discretion” Re: Boiler Air Rules
- Congress Questions “Essential Benefits” Statement
- States Are Enacting HealthCare Law, White House Says
- Move to Limit CFPB, NLRB Powers in Reaction to 'Recess' Appointments
- EPA Reveals June Target For Proposing Long-Stalled PM NAAQS Revision

February 9, 2012

- University of Phoenix Manufacturing Institute Scholarships
- Growing Call for EPA to Create Top Science Slot
- NAM Membership Invoice Scam
- Budgets May Force States To Return Air Programs To EPA
- Tensions between U.S. and Chinese Suppliers Grow
- Solvent Wipes Rule Nears Completion
- TIER II OR RIGHT TO KNOW REPORTS ARE DUE MARCH 1

February 24, 2012

- House May Act on Waste Manifest Bill
- Court Rejects Hard PM NAAQS Deadline
- Congress Approves Extension of Payroll Tax Cut, Jobless Benefits
- OSHA Cites WI Brass Foundry For Dust Exposure, OtherViolations
- OSHA Videos Provide Training on Proper Use of Respirators
- Corporate Tax Reform Would Lower Top Rate, Lose Loopholes
- EPA Softens Lead Risk Findings

March 9, 2012

- EPA Revising Chromium Risk Study
- Free Webinar on Industrial Steel Storage Racks
- Court Allows NLRB Poster Requirement To Go Into Effect
- EPA Set To Release 'Articles' Rule
- Congress Passes Bill Approving Higher Tariffs on Imports from China
- EPA Again Offers Boiler Rule Compliance Flexibility
- Senate Boiler MACT Delay Fails

March 23, 2012

 IRS Promotes Small Business Healthcare Credit
- White House Pressures China on Rare Earth Exports
- CBO Estimates Healthcare Law Will Be More Expensive Than Predicted
- MAPI U.S. Industrial Outlook: Manufacturing Rebounding at a Moderate Pace, Some Deceleration Expected
- Business Group’s Message: “Scrap EPA Rules”
- Court-Ordered Deadline For Revised PM NAAQS Possible
- OSHA Announces Updates to Hazard Communication Standard

April 5, 2012

- ACC Seeks Area Boiler Rule Stay
- House Panel Raises Bar For Agency Settlements
- Ways And Means Approves Small Business Tax Cut Bill
- Valve World Americas Moves To Larger Venue
- Noise Hazard Training Workshops

April 20, 2012

- ACC Seeks Area Boiler Rule Stay
- House Panel Raises Bar For Agency Settlements
- Ways And Means Approves Small Business Tax Cut Bill
- Valve World Americas Moves To Larger Venue
- Noise Hazard Training Workshops

May 4, 2012

- House GOP Pushes NEPA Reforms
- EPA Names New Science Advisor
- Noise Training Seminars Are Timely, Important, – and FREE
- Senate Fails to Stop NLRB’s “Ambush Elections” Rule
- Do Your Employees Have SIMPLE IRAs?
- Activists Fear Further PM NAAQS Delay
- Noise Hazard Training Workshops

May 18, 2012

- House Committee Seeks NFFS Input on Burdensome Regulations
- EPA Weighs Steps To Simplify Title V Air Permit Compliance Requirements
- EPA Eyes August 2013 For PM NAAQS
- House May Vote On Tax Cut Extensions This Summer
- New Order Requires Agencies To Assess Rules' Cumulative Effects
- NLRB “Ambush Elections” Rule Struck Down by Court – For Now
- FEF Annual Meeting, Elections Held
- Noise Hazard Training Workshop

June 1, 2012

- CDC Seeks Coordination on Lead Exposure Issues
- EPA Sends Boiler MACT, CISWI Rules for OMB Review
- TSCA Bill Stalls Absent GOP Support
- Senate Won't Take Up Tax Cuts Before November
- AFS Issues Metalcasting Congress Call for Papers
- Free NFFS Foundry Noise Exposure Training Seminars

June 15, 2012

- NFFS Responds to House Committee Request
- Republicans Seeking to Halt Possible EPA 'Midnight Rules'
- GOP Seeks to Retain PM NAAQS
- Senate Rejects Paycheck Fairness Bill
- Chemical Users Urge EPA to Develop TSCA Criteria Before Regulating 'Articles'
- Hawkeye Foundry Sold, Name Changed

June 29, 2012

- Healthcare law upheld
- Airbus to open U.S. plant
- House Appropriators Add ‘Buy American’ Mandate To EPA FY13 Bill
- Commerce Secretary Resigns, Citing Recent Seizure
- WMEP’s Bertram Honored
- EPA Proposal Tightens PM2.5 Limit
- EPA Weighing Risk Study Of 'Rare Earth' Production
- Two Free NFFS Foundry Noise Exposure Training Seminars Remain

July 13, 2012

- NAM Replies to NLRB's Posting-Notice Appeal
- EPA Raising Concerns Over Draft House Bill On Collecting Recycling Data
- Senate Moves Closer to Passing Small Employer Tax Credit
- Absent EPA, Activists Target Metal Recyclers
- EPA Seeks Public Comment on Proposals for Promoting Public Participation in Permitting

July 27, 2012

- PCAST offers recommendations to revitalize advanced manufacturing
- OSHA cites, fines Illinois foundry
- Advisors urge EPA to expand review of rules' costs
- Democrats push superfund tax
- Industry looks to house forums for NAAQS fix

August 10, 2012

- Teleconference on the EPA Proposed Particulate Matter Air Quality Standards
- OIRA Chief Sunstein Steps Down
- 'Made in America' Gets Strong Backing From Voters
- Trade School Enrollment Soars
- Experts Brace For Environmental Law Attacks Due to Healthcare Ruling

August 24, 2012

- In Memoriam - Glenn Heideloff
- Senate readies for TSCA debate
- As EPA rules stall, activists seek faster OMB reviews
- New public-private partnership to support manufacturing innovation
- Chromium air rule clears OMB
- 2012 manufacturing summits
- API seeks election focus on EPA
- Wanted: Foundry Manager

September 7, 2012

- Free NAM Manufacturing Webinar
- US Competitiveness Slips Farther Down
- Keeping Manufacturing in the Spotlight at the Party Conventions
- Industry Urges OMB To Release EPA Rule On Waste Exemptions For Wipes
- Health Care Costs Continue to Worry Smaller Businesses
- 'Lead-Free' Plumbing Definition Debated

September 21, 2012

- Congress Returns, Only to Cut Work Short Again
- Advisers Seek Stricter PM Limit
- Delay of Combustion Rules Leaves Projects In Limbo
- NFFS Agress to Cosponsor Manufacturing Day, October 5th
- 2012 Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor Report
- Drinking Water Utilities Urge 'Practical' Implementation Of New Lead Limits
- EPA Identifies Key Rules For Project To Reduce Implementation Burdens

October 5, 2012

- NFFS Industry Executive Conference Convense in Henderson, NV on 10/14
- FEF Intership Program Major Changes for 2013
- Manufacturing Matters
- CBO Cost Estimate May Bolster New Bid for Industry-Backed TSCA Bill
- NFFS Agrees to Cosponsor Manufacturing Day, October 5th

October 19, 2012

- E-Manifest Bill Signed
- MAPI Survey on the Business Outlook
- EPA, Environmentalists Ready Arguments in PM2.5 Suit
- Boosting Participation in Your Company's 401(k) Plan
- Manufacturers Launch Program to Put Veterans to Work
- Budget Sequestration Outlook

November 2, 2012

- 2012 Economic Roller Coaster Ride
-Manufacturing Has Strong Public Support but Greater Leadership Needed
- Regardless of Sequester Agreement, EPA Could Face Major Budget Cuts
- Superstorm Sandy - Immediate and Lingering Effects

November 16, 2012

- Legal Fight Over Smelter Air Rule
- EPA Administrator Being Urged To Stay
- What Next for Healthcare Law?
- Following Election, EPA Expected To Quickly Issue Suite Of Delayed Rules
- Environmentalists Outline Ambitious Agenda For Second Term
- Supreme Court Urged To Review EPA's SO2 Air Standard Ruling

November 30, 2012

- Delay Likely for Boiler MACT
- House Urges PM Cost Study Revision
- Iron Pipe Producers Urge Disclosure Of 'Toxic' PVC Systems
- Both Sides Sue Over Chromium Rule
- EPA's Top Lawyer Retires

December 14, 2012

- EPA’s New PM2.5 NAAQS May Fall Short Of Environmentalists' Goal
- Would a Carbon Tax Be 'Double Regulation'?
- Sharp Decline in Manufacturers’ Optimism
- Fiscal Cliff: Heading For the Brink
- 401(k) Servicing Industry Sounds Alarm Over Tax Changes
- Copper Smelter Backs Bid For High Court Review Of EPA's SO2 NAAQS
- 2012 FEF College Industry Conference Recap

December 28, 2012

- New NFFS Membership Benefit Offers Direct Savings
- E.P.A. Administrator to Step Down
- Final Boiler MACT and Solid Waste Incineration Rules Released
- U.N. Proposes Climate Change Reparation Initiative
- U.S.-EU Trade Plans Pose Challenges On TSCA Reform
- OSHA Renews Strategic Partnership to Decrease MSDs in Northeast WI foundries

January 11, 2013

- USGS Study May Help Set Cleanup Levels
- Regulators See Few Options To Ease NAAQS As Implementation Begins
- Industry Campaign May Hint At TSCA Reform Approach
- Judge Rules Stormwater Itself Is NOT a Pollutant
- One “Crisis” Averted While Others Still Loom
- Court Orders EPA To Tighten Rules For Implementing PM2.5 Air Standards
- OSHA Cites OH Foundry For Noise Hazard Exposures
- 2012 Economic Census Response Due by February 12, 2013

January 25, 2013

- Citing Data Gaps, EPA Staff Recommends Retaining Existing Lead NAAQS
- Tax Reform Legislation Could Be Delayed
- NLRB Decision Undermines Confidentiality of Investigatory Interviews
- Administration Outlines Design of National Network for Manufacturing Innovation
- Inauguration Vow Bolsters Climate Advocates

February 8, 2013

- 2013 Economic Census Forms Are Due Next Week
- Australia-China to Form Research Centre for Light Metals
- EPA Defends Lead Smelter Air Rule
- Scrap-Metal Plan Proving to be Radioactive
- Unions Blame Membership Decline on the Economy
- New Study Backs EPA's Decision To Avoid Ultrafine PM Limit
- IG Launches Evaluation Of EPA's Controversial Enforcement 'Watch List'

February 22, 2013

- Changes in Tax Rules Related to Deductible Repairs and More
- Employers Have More Time to Communicate Health Insurance Exchanges
- OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Injury/Illness Summaries
- Pro-Tax Groups Renew Call to Raise Taxes on Small Businesses
- New Report Projects Impact of the Affordable Care Act
- Environmentalists Threaten Lawsuits In Push For Stricter EPA PM2.5 Rules
- Advisers Seek To Continue Lead NAAQS Despite Dwindling Emissions
- McCarthy Expected to be Named As EPA Administrator

March 8, 2013

- The Saver’s Credit Can Pay You Back in Retirement—and at Tax Time
- New McGladrey Industry Study Offers Real-time Benchmarks for NFFS Members
- Lead Industry Groups Claim EPA NAAQS Data Overestimate Risk Values
- Industry Says Study Shows No Need To Strengthen EPA's Cr6 Limits
- Combustible Dust Legislation Reintroduced

March 22, 2013

- OSHA Stakeholder Meetings to Discuss Crane Operator Certification Requirements
- NLRB Will Appeal Recess Appointments Case to Supreme Court
- Updated Resource Available on Machine Guarding for Abrasive Wheel Grinders
- New Resource Provides Overview of Injury and Illness Prevention Programs
- Ways & Means Chair Releases Tax Reform Proposal
- The Deadline for the 2013 McGladrey Industry Study is Today!
- Wisconsin NFFS Members Take Note …
- Build Your Business’ Best Assets

April 5, 2013

- Senate Budget Riders Target EPA
- IRS Requires Benefit Plan Sponsors to Pay Annual Fee to Fund Research Institute
- Chamber Seeks to Delay ACA’s Employer Mandate
- Senate Urged To Weigh OMB Scrutiny Of EPA
- Visit NFFS in booth 589 at the CastExpo2013

April 19, 2013

- EPA Floats Lead NAAQS Lawsuit Settlement
- New NLRB Nominees Named
- OSHA reminds employers to post injury/illness summaries until April 30
- Are Regulatory “Burden Reduction” Efforts Working?
- Nominees Taking Different Confirmation Paths
- EPA Weighs Research Options For Potential Coarse PM NAAQS Revision
- Tax Hikes in President’s Budget Hurt Competitiveness
- CASAC Readies Final Approval Of EPA Lead NAAQS Policy, Data Findings

May 3, 2013

- EPA Rejects Call To Revise Chromium Air Rule, Reviving Lawsuits
- 2012 Regulatory Costs Balloon
- Tax Rate Could Hit Highest Level in 40 Years
- Administration Asks Supreme Court to Rule on NLRB Case
- Opponents Cite Climate Data Uncertainty To Fight EPA Rules
- Groups File Suit Against Boiler MACT Rule
- China Manufacturing Costs May Rise to US Level