IPC Supports EPA�s Efforts to Streamline TRI Reporting But Cites Concerns Over Lack of Industry-Specific Burden Reductions

IPC � Association Connecting Electronics Industries� is praising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency�s (EPA�s) actions to amend the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program, however the association is citing concerns over the limited benefits to the electronics interconnection industry.

The TRI Burden Reduction Initiatives announced by the EPA include a newly proposed rule that would increase the number of TRI reporters who are eligible to use the short TRI Form A. In addition, EPA plans to notify Congress of their intentions to change the TRI Reporting requirement from annual reporting to alternate-year reporting, thus providing some relief to a select number of TRI reporters.

Says, IPC�s Environmental Policy Director Fern Abrams on the TRI burden reduction actions, �IPC certainly appreciates EPA�s efforts, but we�re a bit disheartened that the EPA�s proposals will not provide the manufacturing sector, including the electronics industry with burden reductions of any significance. While the EPA proposes allowing facilities reporting lead and other persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals to use the shorter Form A, it only applies if they are reporting zero releases. When combined with the agency�s failure to address enforcement concerns for facilities using Form A, it is likely that very few facilities will utilize this burden reduction option.�

Abrams did voice her support for the agency�s future plans to propose alternate- year reporting, stating, �This would be a win-win situation for all involved as there would be a 50 percent reduction in reporting burden across the board.�

As many of IPC�s members have been burdened by TRI�s reporting rules, IPC is aggressively pushing for additional reforms to the program. For more information on the EPA�s TRI program visit http://www.ipc.org/ehs and click on the �EPA Announces TRI Burden Reduction Initiatives� link To learn more about IPC�s efforts for program reform, contact Fern Abrams, IPC�s director of environmental policy at 202-962-0460 or fabrams@ipc.org.

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About IPC

IPC is a global trade association based in Bannockburn, Ill, dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its more than 2,200 member companies, which represent all facets of the electronic interconnection industry, including design, printed circuit board manufacturing and electronics assembly. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of a $40 billion U.S. industry employing more than 350,000 people. IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Washington, D.C.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Stockholm, Sweden; and Shanghai, China. For more information, visit http://www.ipc.org.