Member DashboardNAFEM works to eliminate duplicative, competing regulations
NAFEM and other members of the American Alliance for Innovation (AAI) urged three federal agencies to use their authority under Section 9 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to create a single, consistent federal regulatory framework governing worker safety. AAI asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to strengthen interagency coordination to leverage each agency’s expertise and eliminate duplicative or conflicting requirements.
NY proposes labels and warnings on gas stoves
New York A 73, which would require labels and warnings to be displayed on commercial and residential gas stoves sold at retail, passed the Assembly and has been returned to the Senate for review. The labels would require labels warning users about nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde emissions. The bill has a Senate companion, NY S 1280.
States target litigation funding
North Carolina passed HB 315 banning third-party litigation funding in civil cases, becoming the first state to prohibit the practice outright. Third-party litigation funding (TPLF) allows outside investors to finance lawsuits in exchange for a share of any settlement or judgment. TPFL laws or restrictions now exist in 18 states, with most focused on disclosure, funder control or consumer protections. Supporters say the measures increase transparency, reduce outside influence in lawsuits, help address rising legal costs.
At the federal level, the Litigation Transparency Act (HR 1109) and the Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act (HR 2675) would mandate disclosure and block foreign governments from funding U.S. lawsuits. Federal courts also are weighing disclosure requirements for civil cases.
California Seeks Comments on Workplace Inspection Proposal
California’s OSHA Division is seeking comments on proposed modifications to Title 8 Section 331.8, which governs employer and employee representatives during workplace inspections. The proposal would allow employer and employee-authorized representatives, including certain third parties, to accompany Cal/OSHA inspectors when needed for an effective inspection. It also authorizes inspectors to resolve disputes, limit participation that disrupts inspections and manage access to trade-secret areas. Comments are due July 16.
Reporting reminders
- Refrigeration and other equipment that use HFCs and HFC blends were required to meet EPA AIM Act labeling requirements by Jan. 1 for chillers and industrial process refrigeration equipment, and by Jan. 1, 2027 for ice machines and refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment. The EPA provides a detailed fact sheet with labeling examples.
- California SB 253 requires U.S. companies with more than $1 billion in total annual revenue that do business in California to annually disclose prior-year Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by Aug. 10, and Scope 3 emissions in 2027. Legal challenges are ongoing, but the reporting deadlines have not changed. Companion legislation – SB 261 – requires large companies with more than $500 million in revenue that do business in the state to disclose climate-related financial risks every two years. The Climate-Related Financial Risk Act is currently paused due to litigation.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended the due date for PFAS in products reporting to Sept. 15. The Agency also posted additional how-to videos and offers individual technical support.