Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• May 14-15, Join IPC Impact Day in D.C. and Help Advocate for Our Industry

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

• A U.S. Budget Without PCB Investments Creates Risks for Security, Economy  

DEFENSE & NATIONAL SECURITY 

• Electronics Industry Calls on Congress to Invest in PCB Industrial Base
• New U.S. Critical Infrastructure Plan Could Extend to Electronics Manufacturing

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

• IPC Appeals to Potential Young Apprentices in Baltimore

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

• IPC Evaluating Potential Impact of New U.S. EPA Rule on Methylene Chloride
• Japan Updates Priority Assessment Chemical Substances List
• Vietnam Seeks Public Input on Chemicals Law Amendment

UPCOMING EVENTS

• IPC Impact Day: Washington, D.C., May 14-15
• Bolstering U.S. IC Substrate Capabilities: Washington, D.C., May 16
• Electronics Goes Green: Berlin, Germany, June 18-20
• Women Reshaping the Engineering Landscape: Webinar, June 24
• Chemical Management for Electronics USA: Boston, Mass. and Virtual, June 24-25

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TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

Next Week, May 14-15, Join IPC Impact Day in DC and Help Shape Policy for Our Industry: The U.S. Congress and the Biden Administration are actively working on policies that are crucial to our industry, including decisions on investments in domestic PCBs and advanced packaging; incentives in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for training and certification; and implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act. At this critical juncture, we invite your participation in advocating for our industry's interests. Please join us and bring your company’s voice and our industry’s voice to Capitol Hill for IPC Impact Day, May 14 and 15. This event is a unique opportunity for you to engage with your elected officials, Executive Branch policymakers, and industry peers. Attendees will enjoy an opening dinner and networking reception, breakfast with a briefing on the key issues, meetings with Congressional Leadership, a luncheon with a special guest speaker, private Congressional meetings, and a closing happy hour. Register now to secure your place as an influential leader in electronics industry advocacy. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If Congress passes an FY2025 budget without meaningful investments in U.S. PCB manufacturers, the electronics industry will have rallied in support [of the CHIPS Act] only to see investment in its core capabilities pass it by." –– IPC’s Rich Cappetto, Senior Director, North American Government Relations, sounding the alarm about the proposed U.S. FY25 budget, and explaining why 49 electronics industry executives signed a letter to Congress urging them to sustain current investments in the defense electronics industrial base. (See next story.)

DEFENSE AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Electronics Industry Calls on Congress to Invest in PCB Industrial Base: In a letter signed by 49 industry executives and sent to Congress, IPC highlighted the risk of falling behind global rivals if the United States fails to bolster its PCB manufacturing capabilities. As the U.S. Congress approaches decisions on FY 2025 spending allocations, the electronics industry is concerned about the possible elimination of Defense Production Act funding for PCBs and advanced packaging. Last year, IPC and its partners secured a “Presidential Determination” that PCBs are a critical defense industrial base need and thus qualify for U.S. Government investment under the Defense Production Act. But future funding for that purpose is zeroed out in the president’s FY25 budget request.In an IPC Blog post, Rich Cappetto, IPC Senior Director, North American Government Relations, traces the progress that has been made over the last 18 months and underscores the need to keep the momentum going. If this issue interests you, please consider joining us for IPC Impact Day in Washington on May 14-15. Learn more and register now. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

New U.S. Critical Infrastructure Plan Could Extend to Electronics Manufacturing: Late last month, the White House National Security Council (NSC) published a National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience listing actions to secure U.S. infrastructure. The memo charges federal, state, and local government actors with adopting risk-based security and resilience standards, and it directs further analysis of potential supply chain shocks. IPC welcomes these actions, which cover 16 Designated Critical Infrastructure Sectors and could someday cover electronics manufacturing. In 2022, the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security issued a joint assessment of the supply chain for Information and Communications Technology, recommending federal investments in domestic PCB manufacturing due to a critical shortage in capabilities and capacities. Further, in 2023, President Biden issued a Presidential Determination calling for Defense Production Act investment in PCB manufacturing. Given the core function of printed circuit boards and electronic interconnect technology in every electronic system, IPC believes the state of the domestic electronics industrial base could rise to the level of a systemic or cross-sector risk in forthcoming risk assessments. IPC stands ready to assist; in addition to technical expertise and insights, IPC offers an active, consensus-based “Trusted Supplier” standard, IPC-1791, as well as an up-to-date plan for our industry’s workforce needs. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

IPC Appeals to Potential Young Apprentices in Baltimore: This week for National Youth Apprenticeship Week, IPC and friends participated in a Career Expo hosted by Baltimore County Public Schools at Community College of Baltimore County. We promoted careers in electronics manufacturing, talked to many students, and made connections with county and state officials about bringing IPCs credentialing and education opportunities into more schools. Kudos to our partners Zentech Manufacturing and Institute for American Apprenticeships at Vermont HITEC Inc. for joining us. Check out the photos and “color commentary” on LinkedIn, and let us know if you want to help IPC inspire our youth by exposing them to career opportunities in our industry! IPC Contact: Cory Blaylock.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

IPC Evaluating Potential Impact of New U.S. EPA Rule on Methylene Chloride: This week, the U.S. EPA finalized a risk management rule for methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule seeks to ban all consumer and most commercial and industrial uses of methylene chloride, including uses in electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing. The applications that EPA is allowing to continue will be subject to new mandates under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program. IPC is currently working to understand the potential impacts of this rule on the electronics manufacturing industry. IPC members are encouraged to read the final rule and get involved in upcoming stakeholder engagement opportunities to learn more, stay informed, and be prepared. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Japan Updates Priority Assessment Chemical Substances List: In April, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) released the latest update to the Priority Assessment Chemical Substances List, designating 12 more chemicals as Priority Assessment Chemical Substances (PACs) and removing five others. PACs are regulated under the Japan Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL) due to their potential risks to human health or the environment. Manufacturers and importers of PACs are required to submit an annual report and provide additional hazard data as needed. If this impacts your company’s operations, learn more. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Vietnam Seeks Public Input on Chemicals Law Amendment: In March, the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) finalized a draft amendment to the Law on Chemicals (06/2007/QH12), and it is now seeking public feedback. The draft will be submitted to the government in June and then to the 15th National Assembly for review in October. The Law on Chemicals, effective since July 2008, regulates chemical-related activities, including the rights and obligations of entities involved. MOIT’s draft amendment maintains key policies of the original law while expanding its scope to include regulations on chemicals in development and chemicals in products. It clarifies definitions and specifies chemical activities, aiming to align with international standards and attract foreign investment. If this impacts your company’s operations, learn more and prepare to submit your feedback. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

IPC Impact Day: Washington, DC, May 14-15: Join us for IPC Impact Day to help shape U.S. policy for the electronics industry. Engage with elected officials, policymakers, and industry peers during this unique event, featuring networking receptions, key issue briefings, meetings with Congressional Leadership, a special guest speaker luncheon, and much more. Register today!

Bolstering U.S. IC Substrate Capabilities: May 16, Washington, DC:  The U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) and IPC are convening a workshop on IC substrates, addressing the lack of IC substrate manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. In addition to remarks from U.S. Government leaders, the workshop will divide participants into breakout groups exploring four key areas: Technology Requirements, Workforce Needs, Standards Solutions, and Financial Competitiveness. Register today!

Electronics Goes Green: Berlin, Germany, June 18-20: IPC is a proud sponsor of Electronics Goes Green 2024, From Silicon to Sustainability. This global event features researchers, policymakers, and industry players dedicated to driving sustainability in electronics and in-circuit testing. Featured topics include environmental effects of mature, as well as emerging technologies and materials; life cycle assessment (data) of specific electronic components; LCA data management along the supply chain; fair, clean, and conflict-free electronics; and circular economy strategies. Register today.

Bold Breakthroughs: Women Reshaping the Engineering Landscape: Webinar, June 24, 10:00-11:00 am EDT: Join IPC for this special virtual event in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. This event will shine a spotlight on the incredible women in the electronics industry who are breaking barriers, making bold breakthroughs, and paving the way for future generations. Led by IPC’s Teresa Rowe, Senior Director of Assembly & Standards Technology, panelists include nine extraordinary women from nine different countries. Register today for FREE!

Chemical Management for Electronics USA: Boston, Mass. and Virtual, June 24-25; What is the risk evaluation and management status of high-priority chemicals relevant to electronics manufacturers? Kelly Scanlon, IPC’s lead sustainability strategist, will provide details in her presentation, “Where TSCA and Electronics Manufacturing Intersect: The Essential Voice of Industry,” on June 24. IPC sponsors this two-day conference focusing on the complex and changing landscape of chemicals management for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in the United States and beyond. IPC members, use code IPC15 for a 15% discount when registering.

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This is a great example of how the electronics industry will build a strong domestic workforce using the proven tool of apprenticeship. Kudos to Zentech Manufacturing, and to the new apprentices on their first step in an exciting career. Onward and upward!

“We love to have young people in the company – they give a lot of energy to us.” Robert Helleday, head of R&D, Mycronic, talks to IPC’s Kelly Scanlon, lead sustainability strategist, about Mycronic’s approach to addressing sustainability challenges by diversifying the workforce with multi-geographical training programs designed to encourage students, particularly women, to consider careers in engineering.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US 

Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it is engaging with policymakers in the Americas, the European Union, or Asia, 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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