Throughout 2004, AHFA was at work on behalf of its nearly 500 manufacturer and supplier members, influencing the outcome of both regulatory and legislative issues.

Regulatory Victory: Boiler MACT
The EPA published its new Maximum Achievable Control Technology, or MACT, for industrial boilers in February 2004. AHFA was a key participant in the rule development process over a period of two years – saving member companies millions of dollars in anticipated expenses associated with the EPA’s original boiler proposal. A compliance handbook was prepared and distributed to companies attending the environmental conference in September 2004. The handbook now is available to members online.

Upholstered Furniture Flammability
The Consumer Product Safety Commission will publish a proposed flammability regulation for upholstered furniture sometime this year. AHFA staff has invested extensive time and resources over the last decade to ensure that any regulation provides meaningful safety benefits while preserving the design, comfort and affordability of upholstered furniture. The association has testified before CPSC and the U.S. Congress, including CEO Andy Counts’ testimony in July before a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the industry’s proposal to improve the fire performance of upholstered furniture. AHFA has also spearheaded research into the toxicity of flame retardants and educated federal officials about the fire science and economic realities behind this complex issue. A sensible federal regulation will benefit upholstery producers by avoiding a patchwork of state rules and providing them with a stronger legal footing in personal injury lawsuits.

108th Congress Achievements

Health Care
AHFA supported H.R. 660 to create Association Health Plans as an affordable health benefit option for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Although Congress was unable to reach consensus on a final health care reform package before adjourning for the year, AHFA will continue efforts in the next session, supporting S. 545, AHP legislation sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

Federal Procurement
AHFA successfully lobbied for a provision in the FY 2005 omnibus appropriations bill that eliminates the Federal Prison Industries monopoly on federal contracts. The bill was cleared by Congress and signed into law by President Bush on Dec. 8, 2004.

U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement
AHFA strongly supported the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which passed in July 2004 with strong bipartisan support. President Bush signed the agreement in August 2004. Ninety-nine percent of Australia’s tariffs on American manufactured goods disappeared on Jan. 1, 2005, when the agreement went into effect.

Regulatory Reform
A number of regulatory reforms recommended by AHFA were included in a recent report to Congress from the Office of Management and Budget. AHFA’s recommendations were drawn from ideas suggested by member companies and focused on modifying existing environmental, human resources and health/safety regulations to reduce the cost and paperwork burdens imposed on U.S. manufacturers.