In addition to our federal legislative and regulatory advocacy, NEMA Government Relations remains engaged with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as well as numerous state legislatures. Through our efforts, NEMA keeps our members informed on critical issues, while also guiding state carbon monoxide, smoke detector, and outdoor-lighting legislation through the process, to ensure that the legislation will achieve its necessary goal while not negatively impacting our member companies.

News

• Congress Approves Legislation to Reform CPSC – Given the high-profile recall of toys and other consumer products in 2007-2008, Congress responded by approving legislation to modernize the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In July 2008, Congress approved H.R. 4040, the CPSC Reform Act, which will strengthen the CPSC, impose stringent new standards for product safety, and bolster the CPSC’s enforcement tools. NEMA actively lobbied Congress on CPSC reform and helped shape some of the new law’s provisions. For more information on CPSC reform (31k), please see the summary prepared by NEMA staff. If you have further questions, comments or concerns, please contact Sarah Owen in the NEMA Government Relations department.
• NEMA Lauds Maryland CO Alarm Bill - April 13, 2007 (75k) The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) applauds the Maryland General Assembly for addressing the important life safety issue of carbon monoxide poisonings with passage of H.B. 401, requiring carbon monoxide (CO) detection devices in a wide range of applications.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) releases an update to its performance budget – In February 2008 the CPSC released an update to its 2008 performance budget and operating plan. This informative document provides the workplan and status for various electrical safety, fire, and other consumer safety projects currently underway. Overall, fiscal year (FY) 2008 funding for the CPSC increased by approximately $17 million over FY 2007, to allow the CPSC to hire additional staff, modernize its laboratories, and establish its new Import Safety Initiative. If you have further questions, comments or concerns, please contact Sarah Owen in the NEMA Government Relations department.

Testimony/Comments

• Public Safety - Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Md-S.B. 535) (219k) Testimony given by NEMA Senior Manager Government Relations Joel Saltzman before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Maryland General Assembly, March, 14, 2007.
• NEMA Weighs in with Congress on CPSC Reform (107k) – Comments submitted by NEMA President Evan R. Gaddis to members of Congress on issues of concern with respect to legislation to reform the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• CPSC Report on Receptacles (134k) – Comments submitted by Kyle President, NEMA Vice President of Government Relations, on behalf of the Wiring Device Section on a report issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with respect to receptacles involved in fire incidents.
• Comments in Support of California Carbon Monoxide Bill (139k)  – Comments submitted by Kyle Pitsor, NEMA Vice President of Government Relations, to California Senator Alan Lowenthal in support of his legislation (SB 1386) to require carbon monoxide devices in all dwelling units where people sleep.
• Comments on Colorado Carbon Monoxide Bill (122k) – Comments submitted by Sarah Owen, NEMA Manager of Government Relations, to Colorado Senator Bob Hagedorn expressing concerns about provisions in his carbon monoxide bill (SB 187).

Issue Briefs

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Affordable Life Safety Devices (138k)

• Consumer Product Safety and CPSC Reform (130k)

• Providing Quality Outdoor Lighting is a Challenge to State and Local Policymakers, as well as to Skilled Lighting Designers (118k)

Position Statements

• White Paper: Quality Outdoor Lighting Issues and Applications (147k)

• White Paper: Recommended Policies State and Local Legislation for Carbon Monoxide Life Safety Devices (68k)