Posts for August 6, 2010

ADMINISTRATION EYES EPA RULES TO SPUR SHIFT FROM COAL TO RENEWABLES

August 6, 2010 – Kentucky Coal Association

Senior EPA and White House officials say the Obama administration is taking steps to close expensive renewable energy sources the cost divide between cheaper fossil fuel combustion and more-, readying a slew of EPA rules for power plants that will raise costs to the industry and providing new federal investments in renewable energy.

Rob Brenner of EPA's Office of Air & Radiation told a July 28 meeting of the agency's environmental justice advisers that pending rules to control emissions, waste and water discharges from utilities will not only protect public health but add costs to the industry that might make renewable energy a more viable alternative.

“We need to set health-based standards for power plants, and once we do that then they can compete with some of these renewable sources,” Brenner said at the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (NEJAC) meeting inWashington, DC. He added later, “It's not really a fair competition because [coal-fired power plants] are cheaper than they should be because they're not controlling their pollutants” to their full extent because EPA is yet to issue key rules for the sector, including a mercury air rule and a plan to regulate coal combustion residue.

Some renewable energy advocates say that alternative energy sources such as biofuels are less attractive options for business investors given the high costs and limited infrastructure associated with those sources. As a result, they say that cheaper, more-polluting coal-fired power plants remain a popular energy source.

Brenner's comments suggest that EPA's upcoming controls on the power plant sector may impose significant compliance costs to utilities and potentially level energy rates with those of renewable sources.

But Brenner also said that the agency plans to incentivize energy efficiency improvements that will reduce the compliance burden for the pending rules. “If you basically provide the utilities with a rate of return for efficiency investments . . . then you can meet those standards at much less cost,” he said.

Among the rules under development is EPA's recently proposed Clean Air Transport Rule to establish a sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide cap-and-trade program for power plants in 31 states; a maximum achievable control technology standard to cut mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants; a new source performance standard to limit criteria pollutant emissions; and potential hazardous waste rules for coal waste.

Federal Investments
Meanwhile, Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, told NEJAC July 28 that the Obama administration intends to further boost renewable energy through federal investment, including funds for alternative energy sources in the stimulus law. Sutley said that federal funds to promote renewable energy are critical to aid the United States' transition away from fossil fuel energy sources.

“I think we're in a period of transition and what we're hoping is we can speed up the transition,” Sutley said, adding later, “In the meantime it means that we have to make the best of the other sources of energy that we have.”

Until a comprehensive shift to cleaner, alternative energy sources occurs, Sutley said that upcoming federal rules -- including pending strict fuel efficiency standards for trucks -- would help to reduce emissions.

Large industrial facilities such as coal-fired power plants are a key concern for environmental justice advocates because such sources tend to be disproportionately located in or near low-income and minority communities. NEJAC member Wynecta Fisher of E2 Inc. asked Sutley how the administration defines clean energy.

Sutley responded that she doubts the existence of so-called clean coal. “Other people have labeled it 'clean coal,'” she said. “I don't know if I would necessarily concede that that is real. . . . I think in the long run, not just for the [United States] but for the world, that developing and making sure that there is access to these inherently cleaner sources of energy is important. . . . . We need to use energy more efficiently and more cleanly.”

Sutley noted that the administration is attempting to boost renewables through funding. She noted that the stimulus law provided investments in renewable energy projects, and that President Obama's call to invest revenues from a potential future climate cap-and-trade program into renewable energy promotion.

COMPANIES HIRING, BUT AT SLUGGISH PACE

August 6, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Private employers added a net total of 71,000 jobs in July, far below the roughly 200,000 needed each month to reduce the unemployment rate ... continue

COMPANIES MOVING MANUFACTURING JOBS BACK HOME

August 6, 2010 - USA Today

"A small but growing band of US manufacturers - including giants such as General Electric, NCR and Caterpillar- are turning the seemingly inexorable offshoring movement on its head, bringing some production to the US from far-flung locations such as China. Others that were buying components overseas are switching to US suppliers."

" Experts believe that such "initiatives could moderate job losses that have dramatically shrunk the US manufacturing industry," and add that some of the "myriad reasons for the shifts" include lower inventory costs, protection of intellectual property, and the rise in Chinese wages and shipping costs over the past few years, "while US salaries have stayed flat" However, "products that are labor-intensive and churned out in high volumes, such as apparel, textiles and TVs, will likely continue to be made overseas."

CONGRESS MOVING TO REVITALIZE US MANUFACTURING

August 6, 2010
The National Manufacturing Strategy Act passed the House 379 to 38 and is expected to be introduced soon in the Senate by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich). The bill aims to stem manufacturing job losses by establishing a board that makes short- and long-term strategic recommendations for governments, private companies, universities and industry associations.

If approved and signed by President Barack Obama, it would require Obama to establish a Manufacturing Strategy Board within the Commerce Department that includes federal officials, two state governors from different parties, and nine private-sector leaders from the manufacturing industry.

House-Approved Energy Bill Is Setback for U.S.

August 6, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

Right before breaking for its six-week August recess, the House of Representatives voted on July 30 to pass the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2010 (H.R. 3534).

The bill, which was authored by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV), passed by a margin of 209 to 193. It was largely a partisan vote, with only two Republicans voting for passage. Thirty-nine Democrats opposed it. If the legislation were to become law, it would raise the cost of energy for businesses and consumers and drive out energy producers from the Gulf of Mexico and other offshore sites.

The NAM opposed the bill because it sets an unattainable level of insurance coverage for domestic energy producers on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). While there appears to be widespread agreement in the industry and on Capitol Hill that the $75 million liability cap needs to be updated, eliminating it altogether would effectively retain the moratorium on offshore drilling for all but a handful of the world's largest international companies and force the vast majority of American companies out of U.S. waters. Unlimited liability would be particularly disadvantageous to small and mid-sized domestic energy producers, who would find it nearly impossible to attain the insurance needed for Gulf operations.

H.R. 3534 does include a positive amendment sponsored by Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA). This amendment would overturn the Obama Administration's moratorium on deepwater oil and gas drilling. The amendment allows rigs to continue with drilling if new Interior Department safety standards are met. However, the Department retains the power to suspend permitting and drilling if the Interior Secretary determines there are major environmental and safety risks.

Even though Democrats are largely in favor of keeping the ban in place, the urgency of approving the regulatory reforms convinced enough of them to vote for the bill. Ending the moratorium would require Senate approval of the measure, as well as President Obama's signature for it to become law.

Every day the drilling moratorium remains in place is a setback for U.S energy security and independence. Thousands of jobs in the oil and gas industry have been lost. Companies that make and supply equipment, services, engines, boats and materials such as steel and concrete will soon feel massive economic consequences from the moratorium.

The NAM believes it is critically important to understand the causes of the Gulf of Mexico accident and its long-term environmental impacts before enacting policies that could make a serious problem much worse. Manufacturers support energy policies that expand domestic supplies in an environmentally safe way and lower costs for U.S. consumers and manufacturers. Access to competitively priced energy helps U.S. companies compete in the global economy and preserves high-paying jobs here at home.

Despite efforts made during the debate to improve H.R. 3534, NAM members continue to oppose the bill, which would, in its current form, drive up energy costs, create uncertainties in the availability of supply and adversely affect U.S. jobs. It is unclear when the House-passed bill will be up for consideration in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) also unveiled his energy package last week. The Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010 (S. 3663) focuses on four areas: ensuring an expedited oil spill cleanup process and increasing the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, investing in the Home Star program, providing funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and investing in electric and natural gas vehicles. The bill does not include a price on carbon or a renewable electricity standard. Leader Reid announced on August 3 that the Senate will not consider the bill before the August recess begins on August 6.

The NAM will remain engaged with lawmakers on this important issue and work to ensure Congress adopts energy policies that will not harm manufacturers' ability to compete in the global marketplace and create good, high-paying jobs for Americans.

For more information, contact NAM Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy Keith McCoy at kmccoy@nam.org or (202) 637-3175.

PRESIDENT OBAMA CONTINUES FIGHT FOR CARD CHECK, ACTION FROM THE NLRB

August 6, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing
President Obama addressed the AFL-CIO's Executive Council this week, making it clear that if card check legislation cannot be passed in Congress, his Administration will use federal agencies to implement the changes labor bosses seek. The President reiterated support for the jobs-killing Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), stating: "Getting EFCA through the Senate is going be tough, but we're going to keep on pushing." The President also stated that he has nominated individuals to federal labor boards to implement sweeping changes to labor law and has signed numerous pro-union executive orders. These remarks unfortunately affirm the NAM's expectations that in failing to push through Congress the policies demanded by labor leaders – like card check legislation – the Administration plans to use executive orders and federal agencies like the NLRB to implement the goals of card check legislation.

For more on these remarks, visit the NAM's Labor Policy Institute at lpi.nam.org. Details: Keith Smith, (202) 637-3045

SENATE PASSES BILL WITH INTERNATIONAL TAX INCREASES, NOW HEADED TO HOUSE

August 6, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

Senators on August 5 approved by a vote of 61 to 39 final passage of H.R. 1586, which uses a package of $10 billion in international tax increases and other revenue raisers to offset the cost of a $10 billion education jobs fund and a temporary increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). The NAM sent a key vote letter opposing the bill. Although the House is in a scheduled recess until mid-September, Speaker Pelosi yesterday called the House back into session August 10 to vote on the legislation. The international tax provisions in H.R. 1586 – which limit the availability of foreign tax credits for worldwide American companies – are similar to proposals that have been included as offsets in several other bills this summer, including tax extenders provisions approved by the House and awaiting Senate action. Details: Dorothy Coleman, (202) 637-3077.

SENATE POSTPONES OIL RESPONSE BILL UNTIL FALL

August 6, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

On August 3, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) removed his energy package, the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act (S. 3663), from the pre-August recess Senate calendar. Leader Reid pulled the planned test votes for both the Democratic and Republican oil spill response bills amid debate over the liability cap for companies involved in offshore drilling. Leader Reid's bill aims to eliminate the $75 million liability cap for offshore drilling, which would increase the risk for small and independent drilling companies, potentially driving those companies either out of business or abroad. The NAM opposes an unlimited liability cap in both the House and the Senate energy proposals. Sens. Mark Begich (D-AK), Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) are working on language to address the liability cap, which they hope will be included in the bill in the fall. It remains to be seen whether Leader Reid will be open to including the language. In addition to the oil spill response bill, some Senate Democrats see the delay of the small energy package as an opportunity to build a stronger case for a bigger and more aggressive energy bill in September. Details: Keith McCoy, (202) 637-3175.

SURVEYS AVAILABLE

August 6, 2010 – Employers Council

Knowledge is power. Get reliable survey data from The Employers Council. To obtain the answers to your compensation questions, purchase the latest compensation data. Complete the attached Surveys Order Form and get the answers you need today!

2010 65th Annual Utah Compensation Survey -- For 65 years running, the Council has provided employers with accurate, current local wage data. With nearly 200 Utah companies participating, our report provides reliable benchmark data. Our survey covers 185 positions (see attached order form) with data breakouts per position by company size, geographic area, job match, industry and revenue size. The report also contains supplemental compensation information including 2010 projected and 2009 actual salary increases, leadworker premium rates, shift premium rates, turnover rates, and absenteeism rates. Published: May 2010

2010 National Executive Compensation Survey -- New this year to our compensation survey collection! The Council improved and enhanced our Executive Compensation Survey to include a robust report with both national and Utah data for 46 executive-level positions. Each position includes current compensation data from nearly 2,000 employers nation-wide with breakouts per position by sales volume, employer size, industry, organization type (public vs. private), and 22 geographic areas. In addition to cash compensation, this report summarizes data for a variety of benefits and perquisites for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing organizations. Published: May 2010

2008-2009 Utah Policy & Benefit Practices Survey Now Accepting Data for 2010-2011 Survey - click here to download the questionnaireThis unique survey includes critical data covering a full range of human resource policies and benefit practices of Utah employers. Some of the policy practices surveyed include: work schedules, shift differentials, alternative work arrangements, overtime, recruiting, drug & alcohol screening, dress standards, holiday, vacation, and sick pay. Benefit practices surveyed include: medical insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, cafeteria plans, 401(k) plans, pension plans, retiree benefits, part-time employee benefits, and many more. The results are reported for three employee classifications within two industries and three employment-size breakdowns. Published: September 2008 (next publication September 2010)

2009-2010 National Pay Trends Survey -- Questionnaires for 2010-2011 survey will be sent soon!This is an extremely valuable annual compensation planning tool that contains the best available local and national information needed to plan pay related changes. This report covers actual changes in employer pay practices(pay increases, formal salary range adjustments, variable pay awards, etc.) for 2009 along with projections for planned pay changes in 2010 from over 4,500 employers nation-wide including a breakout for Utah. Data is also grouped by industry and job category. It also highlights economic trends, collective bargaining information and historical wage benchmark data. Published: October 2009

2009-2010 National Sales Compensation & Practices Survey -- This comprehensive survey contains up-to-date compensation, benefits, practices, and expense allowance information from 785 U.S. companies for 21 positions spanning a full sales force from executive to inside sales and customer service. The salary report shows base pay, variable pay and total compensation. The data is further broken out by gross sales volume, industry types, geographic regions, and primary customer type(to whom the salesperson sells). The survey also provides data specific to UT companies who participated on behalf of The Employers Council. Published: February 2010

2009 National Information Technology & Engineering Compensation Survey -- This robust report presents national and local compensation data as well as policies and practices submitted by over 1,400 U.S. companies. The data includes base compensation, salary ranges, and bonus information for 116 IT and 97 engineering jobs. This comprehensive report also covers policies and practices such as: employee referral programs, compensatory time-off/overtime practices, annual employee turnover, salary increases, and severance pay. Data is grouped by size, geographic regions and industry. Published: September 2009

USTAR ANNOUNCES TWO NEW ROUNDS OF REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION GRANT PROGRAM

August 6, 2010 – UB Daily

The Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative announced two new rounds of the Technology Commercialization Grant (TCG) program for Utah public regional higher education institutions and associated companies. In an effort to bring innovative new technologies to market, USTAR launched the TCG program in 2009 and conducted three rounds. Going forward, USTAR plans two more rounds with application deadlines of Sept.
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