 |
Dear IPC Members:
July is winding down, but government policy action is in full swing across the globe. This week brought significant updates on CHIPS Act funding legislation that would help to rebuild the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry.
Meanwhile, in Europe, IPC is continuing to advocate for the industry in negotiations on the European Commission’s EU Chips Act, where a final product is expected later this year. |
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. Your input is greatly appreciated.
All the best,
Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- IPC Urges Congress to Complete R&D Bill by August Break
- More than 100 Executives Join IPC Letter Supporting PCB Legislation
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- IPC’s John Mitchell on the Need for USG Support of Manufacturing
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
- EPA Seeks Input on Risks of Chemicals Used in Electronics
- OSHA Moves to Limit Workplace Lead Exposure
- IPC White Paper on Flame Retardants Open for Review
EUROPEAN UNION
- IPC Shares Recommendations to Parliament on EU Chips Act
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
IPC Urges Congress to Complete R&D Legislation By August Break: This week, the U.S. Senate voted to proceed on a slimmed down federal research and development (R&D) bill, including $52 billion in CHIPS Act funding for semiconductors, advanced packaging, and other electronics manufacturing needs. Senate and House leaders are aiming for final passage before the August recess — likely the last chance until after the November elections. IPC believes it is critical for Congress to swiftly pass this legislation, and we will keep you updated on this evolving situation. Read more details on the legislation here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
More than 100 Executives Join IPC Letter Supporting PCB Legislation: More than 100 top executives representing companies in the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry recently 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.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
 | “The U.S. government is being tested right now. Can its leaders come together and position the United States for technological leadership in the years and decades ahead?”
– IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell questioned whether the U.S. government will meet the high expectations of the electronics manufacturing industry in his monthly I-Connect007 column. |
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
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) — with industrial and commercial uses in electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing. The EPA is also soliciting comments on trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1-bromopropane, all of which are being evaluated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Comments are due within 30 days and August 1 and August 4 for NMP and methylene chloride, respectively. Please let us know if your company uses these solvents and you have any insights for us. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
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 Issues Notice Limiting Workplace Lead Exposure: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently 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.
EUROPEAN UNION
IPC Shares Recommendations to Parliament on EU Chips Act: Last week, IPC shared proposed amendments to the EU Chips Act with policymakers, highlighting the importance of advanced packaging in chip performance and affirming the need for any investments to deliver benefits across the entire electronics manufacturing value chain. The European Parliament is expected to issue its views on the EU Chips Act later this year. Read IPC’s position on the proposal here. IPC Contact: Alison James.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
 |
|
 |
“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 Mitchell lauded the more than 100 top execs. representing companies in the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry for supporting HR 7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022. |
“As much as the last 24 months have been a challenging environment, the next 24 months will be equally challenging, but for different reasons. The probability that we end up in a recession is growing.” IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac talked to I-Connect007 about the effects of high inflation, rising interest rates, and low unemployment on the electronics manufacturing industry. |
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.
Subscribe to IPC Global Advocacy Report: If you’re a member of IPC, manage your e-mail preferences and opt in to receive “Advocacy” updates. If you are not an IPC member — or you’re not sure — please send a note to friends@ipc.org, and our staff will add you to the list.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact one of us if you have any questions or insights to contribute.
See prior editions of Global Advocacy Report.
Explore our IPC Government Relations information online.
|
