Posts for June 20, 2010

June 21, 2010

Last week's economic news was more sour than sweet, with five of the eight major indicators declining, one decelerating and just two improving. (To read all of last week's indicators, see the

Latest Economic Reports section below.) On a positive note, the good news that did come out last week involved manufacturing.

Following broad-based gains during the prior two months, manufacturing production rose a strong 0.8 percent in May, the ninth increase in the past 11 months (see red and green bars in chart). Production rose in 14 of the major 19 manufacturing industries last month. This marks the fifth consecutive month that a majority of manufacturing industries posted output gains.

After falling 17 percent over 18 months, manufacturing production bottomed out in June 2009 and has been on an upward trajectory ever since (see black line in chart). Still, the level of manufacturing activity in May remained 9 percent below the prior peak set in December 2007.

The pace of the manufacturing recovery has accelerated in recent months. In fact, the rise in production during the March-May time frame was faster than any three-month period in the entire 2002-2007 expansion. Unfortunately, this pace is likely to decelerate in the months ahead.

One of the sources behind the recent surge in manufacturing output was stimulus measures that have -- or are soon to be -- expired. In March and April, production of electrical appliances and equipment increased at an annual rate of 36 percent -- the fastest two-month rise in 34 years.

This was largely due to the tax credits for energy-efficient appliances financed by the federal government and administered by the states. The program began earlier in the year, and the funds allocated to 16 of these state programs already have been exhausted. In May, manufacturing production in this area fell, as did sales at retail establishments as more of these programs ended.

More recently, strong gains in housing activity from the homebuyer tax credit, which ended in April, spurred strong growth in related manufacturing sectors, like wood products, textile products, nonmetallic minerals and furniture. As last week's reports show, the housing recovery is starting to slow. This likely will dampen manufacturing-related industries in the months ahead.

Dave Huether

Chief Economist

National Association of Manufacturers

ALL EYES ON CANADA AS ITS ECONOMY RECOVERS

June 21, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Canada has avoided a banking crisis where others have floundered, and its economy grew at a 6.1 percent annual rate in the first three months of this year... continue

CHINA RAISES YUAN BUT WARNS IT WON'T FIX ECONOMY

June 21, 2010 – Late Wire from Manufacturing.net
Beijing said an appreciation in its currency alone could not rebalance the global economy as it urged world leaders to carry out more fundamental reforms ... continue

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT!

June 21, 2010 – Utah Storm Water Expo

We would like to announce the marriage of the Utah stormwaterExpoTM and Utah APWA/UCEA/ASCE Fall Conference!

To meet the growing demands of our industry for awareness training and education on advancing technologies, standards, regulations, oversight, enforcement and overall compliance demands, the Utah stormwaterExpoTM has doubled in size and importance in combining with the Utah APWA/UCEA/ASCE Fall Conference creating a grand event that Contractors, Industrial Businesses, and accompanying professionals in Utah deserve. From this date forward the conference will be known as the:

APWA Fall Conference and stormwaterExpo!

The annual show and conference will be held at the South Towne Exposition Center on October 5th and 6th, 2010.

By attending the conference you will
· Increase your company’s efficiency with compliance.
· Become more profitable while managing your risks with the right tools and training.
· Learn your needs from those who are enforcing it.
· Come and be part of the action.

This conference enriches educational opportunities for industrial businesses and facilities and construction contractors/operators by integrating public works, public services, planning and engineering professionals and training that will provide the insight needed for rich training experiences and effective compliance practices.

Save the date and plan on attending the APWA Fall Conference and stormwaterExpo.

Should you have any doubt – here are 10 reasons why you should plan on attending:
1. Opportunities to advance your knowledge on the changing trends and responsibilities within the industry you are a part of.
2. Industry and project specific training that will greatly benefit your team and company compliance efforts. Hear from the State of Utah what is required on your sites!
3. Showroom Floor – 50+ vendors , breakfast, lunch, prizes, giveways!

PETITION TO EPA FOR REGULATION OF AIR EMISSIONS FROM COAL MINES

June 21, 2010 - by James Holtkamp – Holland and Hart

Editor’s Note: Regulations on coal mines unavoidably have significant financial impacts of Utah manufacturers in the form of increased electricity costs.

On June 16, Earthjustice filed a petition with EPA for rulemaking under the Clean Air Act to regulate methane and other emissions from coal mines. The petition was filed on behalf of Wildearth Guardians, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Environmental Integrity Project, and the Sierra Club.

The petition asks EPA to exercise its authority under section 111 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7411) to:

1. list coal mines as a category of stationary sources that emit air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare;
   



2. establish federal standards of performance for new and modified sources within such a newly listed stationary source category for coal mines; and
   



3. establish federal standards of performance to address methane emissions from existing sources within the newly listed stationary source category for coal mines.
   

click here to read the full article

SENATE CLIMATE BILL LACKS FILIBUSTER-PROOF MAJORITY

June 21, 2010 – UMA

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, sponsor of a climate and energy bill, is being quoted in Washington today as reporting that supporters for his bill are too few create a filibuster-proof vote in the U.S. Senate. He apparently can only count 50 of the 60 needed to ensure the vote. Reportedly, he is considering narrowing his bill that would restrict emission limits to electric power plants only.