SOCMA Reaching Out to New Administration, Lawmakers, Regulatory Officials in First 100 Days

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With new members of Congress joining their elected colleagues to tackle key legislative issues in the coming year, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) is reaching out in these "First 100 Days" to not only educate lawmakers, but regulatory agency officials and the new Administration about issues important to the fine and specialty chemical industry.

"With the new Administration, lawmakers and regulatory officials just settling in, there's no better time to introduce them to the fine and specialty chemical industry and share important legislative priorities for our unique sector," said SOCMA President and CEO Jennifer Abril. "The first 100 days are crucial in explaining the innovative nature of our industry and issues affecting our members and the industry at large."

Specifically, SOCMA will stress the significant impact burdensome regulations have on small businesses, which make up almost 80 percent of the association's membership. SOCMA will also offer ideas on regulatory reform proposals, such as the new Administration's "One-In, Two-Out" rule, where for every new regulation issued at least two prior regulations must be identified for elimination.

SOCMA also looks forward to reaffirming the importance of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) implementation and ensuring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves forward in a way that not only protects human health and the environment but promotes innovation.

President Trump has stressed the need for a new approach to U.S. trade policy that strengthens America's economic growth and creates jobs for U.S. workers. SOCMA plans to reiterate the importance of trade policies that aggressively open foreign markets. SOCMA member companies rely on a dynamic global supply chain, sometimes involving thousands of U.S. and foreign suppliers, to make products for these markets.

Among other efforts, SOCMA will visit new members of Congress as well as chairman and ranking members of key House and Senate Committees to introduce the organization and advocate for policies to help specialty manufacturers be more competitive and expand their markets. SOCMA members will also reach out to lawmakers and agency officials to share insight and examples of how the laws and regulations passed in Washington directly impact their businesses and the local economy through letters to the editor and op-eds in their local newspapers. In addition, SOCMA members will meet face-to-face with members of Congress and their staff during the association's Annual Washington Fly-In, April 25-26.

"Through these efforts we are building relationships and helping our lawmakers, regulatory officials and the new Administration better understand the need to make growth and innovation a top priority," Abril said.

About SOCMA
Since 1921, SOCMA has represented a diverse membership of small, medium and large chemical companies located around the world. www.socma.com

Contact:
Jenny Gaines
Director, Marketing and Communications            
(571) 348-5110
[email protected]

SOURCE Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates