NAED’s Government Relations department is keeping our members updated about current happenings in D.C. The latest Washington Wire is here, recapping current events such as Permitting Reform; OSHA Overreach; EPR Laws; and Tom Click’s testimony at a joint Small Business Committee hearing on tax issues.
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NAED Member, Tom Click, Speaks at House Leadership Press Conference
On September 3, Tom Click, President & CEO of Patriot Industries, joined House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership for a press conference on pro-growth tax policy. Tom, alongside his wife, Sarah, shared how a predictable tax environment positively impacts his company and employees.
Washington Wire readers may recall that Tom testified in April at a joint Small Business Committee hearing on tax issues. A video of the September press conference is available here.
Kudos to Tom and Sarah for highlighting how NAED members are helping keep America working.
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Comments on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Laws
NAED recently submitted comments to the Department of Justice regarding state laws that affect the economy and interstate commerce.
Our comments focused on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, which shift responsibility for packaging waste to “producers.” Concerns raised include:
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Distributors being incorrectly classified as “producers.”
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Third-party nonprofits having enforcement authority, raising questions of transparency and due process.
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High compliance costs, retroactive fee structures, and a patchwork of state rules burdening businesses.
We urged DOJ to review arguments in ongoing litigation against Oregon’s law and recommended strengthening existing EPA recycling initiatives as a more effective solution.
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Permitting Reform Push Begins
On September 10, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. The legislation seeks to reduce permitting backlogs by updating the NEPA process.
Supporters argue streamlining is vital for U.S. energy production, artificial intelligence development, and global competitiveness. While Democrats signaled some willingness to ease environmental reviews, they emphasized opposition to reform unless renewable energy projects are protected.
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Opposing OSHA Overreach
NAED joined 44 organizations in opposing the so-called Warehouse Worker Protection Act (S.2613/H.R.4896).
This legislation would:
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Revive outdated OSHA ergonomics rules previously rejected by Congress.
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Require costly corrective actions before any violations are proven.
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Add unnecessary burdens that could disrupt supply chains.
Employers remain committed to safety, but this bill would hinder operations without improving worker protections.
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Find more information on all of these issues here.
Contact NAED’s Director of Government Relations, Bud DeFlaviis, with any questions or comments. Subscribe to the Washington Wire here.
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