Government Engagement Updates

Government Affairs Committee Rebrands

In order to put forward a more inviting presence with ALA’s many government partners, the Government Affairs Committee has rebranded and is now the Government Engagement Committee. Having a positive relationship with ALA’s government partners is vital to achieving successful outcomes, whether it be regulatory or legislative. Therefore, the committee determined it was important to have a name that projects a more welcoming and proactive nature.

Canada Updates Efficiency Regulations

ALA appreciates having a positive relationship with the staff at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Over the years, NRCan and ALA have collaborated to advance harmonized regulations between Canada and the U.S. Currently underway, Amendments 14 and 15 address the standards for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. ALA’s Canadian Engagement Committee is actively involved in the proceedings, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

D.C. Fly-in

Leaders of the lighting industry will descend on Washington, D.C., for the annual fly-in, May 17-18. Over the two days, attendees will engage with roughly two dozen congressional offices as well as with key figures on Capitol Hill. The action-packed trip is an important opportunity to share the successes and major issues impacting the lighting industry with U.S. elected officials. ALA has requested meetings with senior Department of Energy (DOE) officials, ENERGY STAR personnel and face-to-face meetings with important bi-partisan decision makers.

Tax Reform

The need for comprehensive tax reform is long overdue. Republicans in the House have put forth a proposal that would directly impact the lighting industry if it were to become law. The proposal calls for a Border Adjustment Tax (BAT), which would increase tariffs on all products imported into the country. As most lighting products are imported, the cost to the end consumer would skyrocket. ALA is a member of the Americans for Affordable Products Coalition, a group with the sole purpose of defeating the BAT. In D.C., ALA will advocate for Congress to explore alternative tax proposals.

President Donald Trump also released a tax plan. His proposal calls for a 15 percent tax rate for businesses and does not include language supporting the BAT.

Both proposals have a long way to go in the legislative process before ever reaching the president’s desk.

Energy Efficiency

The lighting industry is producing, and consumers are demanding, products that, thanks to advances in technology, are more efficient than ever. As products continue to evolve, there will come a point when their maximum potential will be reached. At that point, continuing to enact new efficiency requirements would serve little purpose, yet existing statute dictates that government entities do just that. ALA is driving the conversation to change the systems that mandate constant updates to energy-efficiency regulations. Conversations are underway in California to amend Titles 20 and 24, and in Washington, D.C., ALA is working with the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to modernize the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1974.

Ceiling Fan Lawsuits

A regulatory review prompted by President Trump’s executive order has delayed the effective date of the ceiling fan conservation rule. The review, however, has not delayed the compliance date. Two pending lawsuits against the DOE have been filed to finalize the effective date in order to prevent the rule from not coming into force. ALA enjoys a positive relationship with DOE, and together, a final rule was produced that ceiling fan manufacturers support.

Titles 20 and 24

Changes to California’s Title 24 building codes took effect at the beginning of this year and changes to the appliance standards laid out in California’s Title 20 take effect at the beginning of next year. There are several resources available on ALA’s website to help ensure all members are compliant with the numerous changes. Slated to take effect in 2019, the next round of updates for Title 24 are currently in development. The current draft includes very little on lighting, nevertheless ALA is engaged.