Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• IPC Supports Senator Wicker’s Defense Tech Investment Plan

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

• U.S. Senator Roger Wicker Calls for Major Defense Tech Investments

TECHNOLOGY 

• IPC Applauds $75M U.S. Government Investment in Substrate Technology

DEFENSE & SECURITY

• Washington Workshop on IC Substrates Draws Defense, Civilian Leaders

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

• Survey: Analysis of Alternatives for the Use of TBBPA as a Flame Retardant
• IPC Evaluating Impact of New U.S. EPA Rule on Methylene Chloride; EPA Hosting Webinar
• EU Adopts Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
• IPC Submits Comments to U.S. EPA on Safe Use of Formaldehyde in Electronics

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

• IPC Members Advocate for Industry-Friendly Policies at Impact Day in D.C.
• Pledge to Be Involved in IPC Advocacy

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 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

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

IPC Supports Senator Wicker’s Defense Tech Investment Plan: U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-Miss), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this week proposed a significant investment plan aimed at bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base. This plan, described as “a generational investment,” emphasizes expansion and robust funding of the Defense Production Act (DPA) and Industrial Base Alignment and Sustainment (IBAS) programs, particularly focusing on strengthening the defense supplier base. New efforts would include addressing shortages in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and circuit board assemblies. IPC views the Wicker proposal as a smart strategy to rebuild the electronics supply chain with a “silicon-to-systems” approach, not solely concentrating on semiconductor chips. IPC commends Senator Wicker's proposal and urges Congress to adopt the plan. Read Senator Wicker's news release announcing his investment plan, and read the plan in its entirety. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“America's national defense strategy and military budget are inadequate for the dangerous world in which we find ourselves. … The best way to avoid further conflict is to be ready. Today's security challenges demand a generational investment to revitalize our armed forces — investments that would restore America's military strength for decades to come.” —  U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-Miss), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introducing his proposed investment plan aimed at bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base.

TECHNOLOGY

IPC Applauds $75M U.S. Government Investment in Substrate Technology: The Biden-Harris Administration has announced preliminary terms with IPC member Absolics Inc., a subsidiary of South Korea-based SKC, for a $75 million investment in substrate technology needed for advanced semiconductors and advanced packaging. The funding, being provided under the CHIPS and Science Act, will establish a 120,000 square-foot facility in Covington, Georgia, with a goal to create over 1,200 jobs and strengthen U.S. technological leadership across the semiconductor supply chain. Absolics also will work with Georgia Tech to continue relevant R&D and expand the local talent pipeline. IPC applauds this investment, which is consistent with IPC’s call for more investment in advanced packaging and a “silicon-to-systems” approach to the various government chips programs. This is the U.S. Government’s first investment in IC substrates through the CHIPS incentive grants, and it can't be the last! Read more in the announcement from the CHIPS for America program and in Fierce Electronics. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Washington Workshop on IC Substrates Draws Defense, Civilian Leaders: Recently, IPC and the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) jointly convened a workshop in Washington, DC on how to bolster U.S. integrated circuit (IC) substrate capabilities. This event gathered key government and electronics industry leaders to advance a Department of Defense-funded project aimed at addressing the nation's deficiencies in IC substrate manufacturing. The project was awarded to a USPAE/IPC team in October, and a final study is due to DoD in June. Panel discussions and breakout groups tackled critical areas such as technology, standards, workforce development, and financial competitiveness. Speakers included industry experts from IPC and USPAE; the DoD’s CHIPS Coordination Cell; the DoD Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Office (IBAS); the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana; and the CHIPS National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP). IPC Contact: Joe O’Neil.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Survey: Analysis of Alternatives for the Use of TBBPA as a Flame Retardant: A survey is now open for manufacturers utilizing Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, CAS 79-94-7, EC 201-236-9), including the use of TBBPA as a reactive flame retardant in laminates for printed circuit boards. Organized by Apeiron-Team and contracted by ICL Group under the International Bromine Council (BSEF), this survey will be crucial for preparing an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for TBBPA. Technical insights are being sought from stakeholders including downstream users (e.g., formulators, end-users, producers of articles incorporating TBBPA); manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters of TBBPA into the European Economic Area (EEA); and alternatives providers. The AoA study will address the potential upcoming EU REACH restriction on aromatic brominated flame retardants. Your input will help ensure an accurate and complete assessment is provided to the European Chemicals Agency and the European Commission, which in turn will help encourage a measured approach for any potential restriction proposals. IPC members are encouraged to take the survey by Friday, June 7, 2024. (Please disregard any earlier deadlines; IPC has confirmed submission will be accepted through this date.) IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Evaluating Impact of New U.S. EPA Rule on Methylene Chloride; EPA Hosting Webinar: The U.S. EPA recently 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. To provide an overview of the EPA’s final regulatory action and implementation timeframes, the EPA is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM EDT. IPC members are encouraged to read the final rule and register for the webinar to learn more about this important change. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EU Adopts Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive: The Council of the European Union has adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), completing its course through the policy process. The CSDDD requires large companies to report on the impacts of their activities on human health and the environment, covering their operations, subsidiaries, and supply chain members. Following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, Member States will have two years to implement the directive at the national level. The directive will be phased in over five years. IPC members are encouraged to learn more about the CSDDD and the new reporting obligations here. IPC will continue to monitor this new regulation and keep you informed of how it may affect your company. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Submits Comments to U.S. EPA on Safe Use of Formaldehyde in Electronics: IPC, which is dedicated to ensuring the safe use of formaldehyde in electronics products through collaboration with its member companies, recently submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the agency’s Draft Risk Evaluation for formaldehyde. Representing its member companies, IPC contests the EPA’s determination of unreasonable risks to workers who use formaldehyde as a reducing agent in electroless copper formation, citing discrepancies with real-world conditions. Concerns also arise from EPA’s apparent haste in completing the draft risk evaluation, which may have compromised the quality, reliability, and integrity of information about risks in electronics manufacturing. Additionally, IPC expresses apprehension over the limited 60-day public comment period for a document spanning thousands of pages. Read IPC’s full comments and let us know how this impacts your company. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

IPC Members Advocate for Industry-Friendly Policies at Impact Day in D.C.: Leaders of IPC member companies gathered in Washington, D.C. earlier this month for IPC Impact Day, engaging with federal officials on crucial industry policies. For example, we urged Congress to fund the Presidential Determination on PCBs; take up H.R. 3249, the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act; support incentives for workforce training and industry certifications; and implement a "Silicon-to-Systems" approach to the CHIPS Act. Attendees from a half-dozen companies represented the interests of the electronics manufacturing industry and made our collective voices heard. Read more in this IPC blog, and let us know if you’d like to participate in a future Impact Day. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

Pledge to Be Involved in IPC Advocacy: The IPC Government Relations team works for you year-round. But our success depends on active participation from IPC members like you! Please visit the IPC Action Alert Center and pledge to stay involved in IPC advocacy. We will send you timely action alerts and make it easy to communicate with your elected officials with just a few clicks. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

PLEASE "LIKE" AND "SHARE" OUR LINKEDIN POSTS

We just unveiled a powerful new video at IPC that explains why America needs more than just chips. Watch to discover the importance of a “silicon-to-systems” approach for our nation’s resilience. Let’s advocate for a stronger, more integrated approach to support our electronics ecosystem.

Salutes and thanks to Office of Senator Roger F. Wicker for this visionary proposal. Indeed, this is the type of holistic thinking that governments everywhere should be thinking about to build robust, resilient electronics supply chains "from silicon to systems." IPC commends this proposal and urges Congress to adopt the plan.

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.   

Follow, like and share LinkedIn posts by IPC and/or any of us individually.

Take IPC’s five-minute public opinion survey and contact your elected officials via the IPC Action Alert Center. 

Peruse our Advocacy pages on IPC.org.

Subscribe to this IPC Global Advocacy Report: If you are a member of IPC, manage your e-mail preferences and opt in to receive all “Advocacy” updates. If you are not an IPC member — or if you are not sure — please send a note to friends@ipc.org, and our staff will add you to the list. See prior editions of Global Advocacy Report. 

Check out the latest edition of IPC Community, which spotlights IPC’s members and global activities.

Contact one of us if you have any questions or insights to share.