Posts for January 14, 2010

COMMENTS BEFORE THE UTAH DIVISION OF AIR QUALITY REGARDING AIR QUALITY PERMIT ORDERS

Tuesday, January 11, 2010, Magna, Utah
By Thomas E. Bingham, President, Utah Manufacturers Association

Thank you for the opportunity to comment here this evening. My name is Thomas E. Bingham and I am president of the Utah Manufacturers Association, a trade association that has been operating in Utah for more than 100 years. UMA represents some 850 member companies across the State.

Manufacturers in Utah rely heavily on environmental permits to operate their facilities in an environmentally friendly and economically viable way. They provide a variety of products for consumers here and around the world. In very simplistic terms, manufacturers are people who make things. In that process they support our economy, provide high paying jobs, pay taxes to support our state and local governments and provide a host of other community benefits.

My purpose for appearing here this evening on behalf of manufacturers across the state, including Kennecott Utah Copper, is twofold.

First to comment on the process that applies in issuing air quality approval orders. It is my understanding that Kennecott has submitted a complete application in accordance with the Division’s rules. The Division has reviewed this application and determined that it is consistent with the state’s permitting rules. On this basis the Division is proposing to issue the permit in accordance with a well established regulatory process. If this process is to mean anything, when a permittee, like Kennecott in this instance, has fulfilled all regulatory requirements the permit should be issued. This should apply whether it is Kennecott or any other applicant fulfilling all the requirements.

We urge you to approve this permit without further delay. I can tell you that delays in the permitting process are very disruptive and very costly to manufacturers. UMA members compete in an international marketplace and compete for limited capital. Their ability to deliver timely projects is critical. In this environment it is necessary that permits are reviewed in accordance with the established process and in a timely manner. Any unnecessary delays or arbitrary requirements put Utah manufacturers at a disadvantage in a competitive global marketplace.

That brings me to my second reason for commenting; the request for a 60 day extension of the public comment period. It is my understanding that this is a relatively simple permitting action and UMA does not believe this action warrants extending the comment period. The applicant has complied with all the requirements of the Division of Air Quality. On this basis UMA believes the permit should be issued without further delay, and we urge you to do that.

This is a time-tested process and when it is followed permit applicants should expect prompt approval.

UMA request that these comments be entered into the record for both permits being considered here tonight. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

CONFRONTING THE TRIFECTA OF TROUBLE

January 14, 2010- Utah Employers Council

Jathan Janove and James M. Barrett with AterWynne
Tuesday, February 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Do you find yourself struggling to make ends meet while reducing your workforce and trying to encourage employees to take on more duties? Are you experiencing an increase in discrimination and harassment claims? If so, listen up! Today’s challenging economic climate has forced employers to confront three worrying trends, in combination creating a "Trifecta of Trouble:"

Trouble #1: The pressure of cutting jobs and the effects of letting employees go
Trouble #2: The necessity of getting more from less, even with demoralized employees
Trouble #3: The increased risk of employment litigation and unionization

Expert attorneys Jathan Janove and James M. Barrett, of the lawfirm AterWynne LLP, will explore the practical and legal risks posed by these troubles. Using real-world examples, they will lay out strategies to help companies successfully navigate through this worrisome trifecta and thrive in today’s economy.

The seminar is being held Tuesday, February 2, at the Red Lion Hotel, 161 W 600 S, Salt Lake City, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon (registration and breakfast buffet 7:15 - 8:00 am). Cost is $115 per Council member; $195 non-member. Call the Council office or reply to this email with registration information or download the registration form at http://ecutah.org/trifecta.pdf. Full refund or credit will be given if cancellation is received one week prior to meeting.

Certification: This program is approved for 3.5 recertification hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).