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Common sense approach to regulations?

So far, so good seems to be the consensus among packaging industry lobbyists as Congress continues to move swiftly on regulatory reform, part of the House Republicans' Contract With America.

The mandatory risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis that must be conducted for new regulations, under the bill passed by the House in March, should bring some common sense to the regulatory process, said Richard Thornburg, director of government relations for the Flexible Packaging Association. The packaging industry, he said, has been burdened by environmental regulations whose costs, in many cases, far outweigh any benefits. Thornburg said current efforts by EPA to develop Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards under the Clean Air Act is a good means of employing risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis. EPA wanted package manufacturers to use temporary total enclosures on each press when testing for emissions, a procedure that would cost approximately $30ꯠ per press. An alternative procedure, the liquid to gas mass balance process, would cost only about $5ꯠ. Regulatory reform is expected to take longer in the Senate, where several bills will be competing. Meanwhile, the Clinton Administration is conducting its own regulatory review. "It's amazing how receptive the Administration has become on regulation," Thornburg remarks.

New e-book on Multipacking and Case Packing
Read how to extend the life of your case packing equipment and best practices for efficient shrink bundling operation. Plus, learn the differences between wraparound & regular slotted containers.
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New e-book on Multipacking and Case Packing
Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers
PACK EXPO International is where you can discuss real-world problems with experts and land on innovative ideas. Discover every new packaging and processing trend, see machinery in action and learn sustainable solutions from experts.
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Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers