Dear IPC Members: I hope all is well with you, your colleagues, family, and friends. This week’s newsletter highlights IPC’s advocacy efforts on technology research and development (R&D) legislation that passed this week in the U.S. Congress. We are pleased both chambers of Congress were able to come together and pass this bill with bipartisan consensus, and we will continue to advocate for policy that rebuilds the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry.

And stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to advocate for legislation critical to our industry.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• IPC Applauds Congress on Passage of R&D Legislation
• Share Your Input with EPA on Risks of Chemicals Used in Electronics

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

• IPC’s John W. Mitchell on Why Industry Supports the “CHIPS+ Act”

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

• OSHA Moves to Limit Workplace Lead Exposure
• IPC White Paper on Flame Retardants Open for Review

EUROPEAN UNION

• Parliament Committee Shares Opinion on EU Chips Act

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

• More than 100 Executives Join IPC Letter Supporting PCB Legislation

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

IPC Applauds Congress on Passage of R&D Legislation: This week, the U.S. Congress passed a slimmed down federal research and development (R&D) bill, including $52 billion in CHIPS Act funding for semiconductors, at least $2.5 billion for advanced packaging R&D, and additional measures to boost American R&D. After a lengthy negotiation period, this legislation could spur a new era of innovation, manufacturing, and investment within the electronics industry. We hope policymakers will continue to work on helping rebuild the entire U.S. electronics manufacturing ecosystem. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Share Your Input with EPA on Risks of Chemicals Used in Electronics: The deadline to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the draft risk determination of two chemicals — methylene chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) — is next week. Both chemicals have industrial and commercial uses in electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing. The EPA is also soliciting comments on trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1-bromopropane — also 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.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“This legislation is the first step in strengthening a critical part of the U.S. electronics supply chain. Today's vote demonstrates that a robust and innovative electronics manufacturing industry is a strategic priority for the United States.” –  IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell lauded the U.S. Senate this week for passing the “CHIPS+” legislation and encouraged policymakers to continue the work of bolstering the entire electronics ecosystem.

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 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

Parliament Committee Shares Opinion on EU Chips Act: This week, a European Parliament committee called for a semiconductor value chain mapping to strengthen the bloc’s strategic autonomy in a draft opinion on the EU Chips Act. The mapping exercise would “inform future industrial policy measures" and “should cover supplier markets, production steps, and end-products and their markets.” IPC continues to provide input to leading policymakers, highlighting the importance of advanced packaging and the need to ensure investments benefit 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.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

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.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“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 Mitchell questioned whether the U.S. government will meet the high expectations of the electronics manufacturing industry in his monthly I-Connect007 column.		IPC Mexico continues to grow. Check out a recent I-Connect 007 interview with IPC’s Lorena Villanueva and David Hernandez.

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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