Dear IPC Members: As we move into the heart of summer, policy debates are heating up across the globe. This week’s newsletter provides updates on IPC’s ongoing advocacy efforts on H.R. 7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022; the status of CHIPS Act funding in the U.S. Congress; and more. We appreciate everyone who took the time to sign onto our letter; let us know if you would like to be added to the next round of signatures.

Please send us a message if you have any thoughts on what governments should be doing to better support your company’s long-term growth and evolution.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• More than 100 Executives Join IPC Letter Supporting PCB Legislation
• Biden Administration Urges Passage of Competitiveness Legislation

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

• IPC’s John Mitchell on Industry Support for the PCB Act

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU 

•  Know Anyone Interested in an Environmental Policy Career?

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

• IPC White Paper on Flame Retardants Open for Review
• OSHA Moves to Limit Workplace Lead Exposure
• EPA Seeks Input on Risks of Two Chemicals Used in Electronics

EUROPEAN UNION

• IPC Advocates for Role of Advanced Packaging at Parliament Hearing

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

More than 100 Executives Join IPC Letter Supporting PCB Legislation: More than 100 top executives representing companies in the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry this week urged the U.S. Congress to address critical shortcomings in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry and the entire U.S. electronics supply chain. The Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022 is critical to rebuilding U.S. electronics manufacturing; would ease an already strained U.S. supply chain; and would improve national security. We appreciate your support of this critical legislation; if you have not already, you can still make your voice heard at IPC’s Action Alert Center. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.
 
Biden Administration Urges Passage of Competitiveness Legislation: This week, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urged the U.S. Congress to approve much-needed funding for semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced technologies. The letter expressed concern “that further delay in advancing a final agreement on the Bipartisan Innovation Act will result in a deficit of semiconductor investment” and stressed that CHIPS Act funding is critical to U.S. competitiveness and national security. Without an agreement on the BIA, Congress may consider a stand-alone bill to fund the CHIPS Act. IPC believes it is critical for Congress to swiftly pass this legislation, and we will keep you updated on this evolving situation. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“This bipartisan legislation will stimulate critical investments in PCB research and manufacturing in the United States. We’re glad to see so many industry leaders agree and join us in urging congressional support for this bill." –  IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell lauded the more than 100 top executives for supporting H.R. 7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022, and urging the U.S. Congress to address critical shortcomings in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry and electronics supply chain.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

Know Anyone Interested in an Environmental Policy Career? Passionate about environment and health issues? IPC is looking to hire an environmental regulatory affairs manager who will be responsible for coordinating information relevant to regulatory affairs and industry advocacy. This position will help monitor global environmental policy developments and regulatory requirements, liaise with industry members and policymakers, and develop responses to government consultations. Let us know if you have any questions! IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

IPC White Paper on Flame Retardants Open for Review: IPC’s draft version of a white paper and technical report on the use of halogenated flame retardants in printed circuit boards (PCB) and assemblies is now open for public review. The updated white paper includes new information on the science and the policies shaping the use of these chemicals in electronics. Comments will be accepted through the beginning of August. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

OSHA Aims to Limit Workplace Lead Exposure: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to revise its standards for workplace exposure to lead (Pb). Lead can be found in solders used in electronics manufacturing; some facilities may be affected by this revised standard. Comments on modifying OSHA’s lead standards are due by August 29. Let us know if you have any questions or will be affected by this. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EPA Seeks Input on Risks of Chemicals Used in Electronics: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting public comments on the draft risk determination of two chemicals —  methylene chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) — being evaluated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Both chemicals have industrial and commercial use in electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing. Comments are due on August 1 and August 4 for NMP and methylene chloride, respectively. Please let us know if your company uses these chemicals and you have any insights for us. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

IPC Advocates for Role of Advanced Packaging at Parliament Hearing: This week, IPC spoke at a European Parliament industry stakeholder hearing on the European Chips Act and the importance of rebuilding the European electronics manufacturing ecosystem. IPC also addressed the role of advanced packaging and the need for a resilient supporting manufacturing ecosystem. The stakeholder meeting was part of IPC ’s ongoing meetings with European institutions on the Chips Act. IPC will continue to advocate for the implementation of the legislation and augment it with support for the industries upon which semiconductor manufacturers rely. IPC Contact: Alison James.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“Inflationary pressures remain historically high in many parts of the world. While supply chains appear to be improving, pricing pressure remains stiff. How these forces will evolve in the coming months adds to the long list of uncertainties around the globe that will continue to dominate the near-term outlook.” IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac commented on the current global economic outlook in IPC’s July Economic Report.		Nine in 10 electronics manufacturers surveyed are experiencing rising material costs, while four-fifths are experiencing rising labor costs. Respondents also expressed concerns on the future availability of labor, components, materials, and semiconductors. Read more in IPC’s July Global Supply Chain Sentiment Report.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it’s engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C., in the European Union or in China, the IPC Government Relations (GR) Team proactively seeks opportunities to educate, inform and influence policymakers on policies that spur innovation, growth and competition, while protecting human health and the environment. But our success depends on your support and engagement. Learn more and get involved in IPC advocacy today! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

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