WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency to exclude "sex-trait modification" procedures from the list of essential health benefits (EHBs) under the Affordable Care Act. In a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, ADF voiced strong support for a proposed rule that would prevent taxpayer dollars from subsidizing what they describe as "experimental and dangerous" procedures, particularly more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- National transportation advocacy group Transportation for America (T4America) is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to repeal or significantly revise numerous regulations and guidance documents it argues hinder safety, stifle innovation, and exceed statutory authority. The recommendations came in a May 1, 2025, letter responding to a federal request for information on reducing regulatory burdens. T4America strongly criticized regulations that treat key more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Fairplay, along with the Center for Digital Democracy and Common Sense Media, has submitted comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) expressing concern about the use of virtual currencies in video games and virtual worlds. The groups are urging the CFPB to take action to protect children and families from potential financial harm. The groups assert that current safeguards under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) are insufficient to protect young use more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- American Air Liquide Inc. ("Air Liquide"), a global leader in industrial and medical gases, technologies, and services, has urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Treasury to swiftly issue final guidance and address inconsistencies in the implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. In a detailed letter responding to Notice 2025-10, the company emphasized the credit's potential to expand domestic clean fuel production but highlighte more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Air Company Holdings, Inc. (AIRCO), a U.S. energy technology company, has called on the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to expedite the finalization of guidance related to the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. In a letter submitted to the IRS, AIRCO emphasized the need for "swift finalization of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit guidance and timely issuance of the Provisional Emissions Rate (PER) guidance." The company, which is working more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Airlines for America (A4A), the trade and service organization representing major U.S. airlines, has urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to expedite the implementation of guidance related to the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. In a letter submitted to the IRS, A4A emphasized the critical role of these credits in supporting the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and making it more affordable for airlines. The U.S. airline industry has set an ambiti more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC), a collaborative government affairs effort, is urging the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to broaden the scope of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. In a letter submitted to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the AFCC expressed concerns about limitations in the current guidelines and called for key changes to support the growth of the alternative fuels industry. The AFCC's le more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Anew Climate, a major North American climate solutions company, has submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), advocating for the inclusion of coal mine methane (CMM) in the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. The company's letter, dated April 10, 2025, and addressed to the IRS, outlines its recommendations regarding IRS Notice 2025-11. In its submission, Anew Climate emphasized the potential benefits of the tax credit, stating, "Clear and workable regulations  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Australian Government has responded to the United States Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, advocating for the inclusion of Australian tallow and used cooking oil (UCO) as eligible feedstocks. In a letter, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry expressed appreciation for the opportunity to comment on the draft guidance. Australia highlighted its role as a "tr more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has expressed reservations about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) proposed interpretive rule on emerging payment mechanisms. In a letter to the CFPB, the ICBA voices its support for consistent consumer protection standards across all payment methods, including digital currencies. However, the ICBA believes the CFPB's approach of extending the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) through an interpretive rul more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition Biogenic Biomass Committee has called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to broaden the eligibility of biomass feedstocks for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, particularly for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other transportation biofuels. In a letter submitted on April 10, 2025, the coalition expressed support for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) program but raised concerns about recent guidance limiting biomass use. The c more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- ABCobre, the leading representative of the copper industry in Brazil, has submitted its considerations to the U.S. Department of Commerce, urging the agency to exempt Brazilian copper imports from any tariffs resulting from the Section 232 national security investigation. In a letter dated March 31, 2025, the organization emphasized Brazil's fair trade practices and its potential as a reliable partner in meeting growing global copper demand. ABCobre acknowledged the strateg more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) has formally contested the U.S. Department of Commerce's national security investigation into timber and lumber imports, asserting that Brazil's exports are fair and do not harm the American domestic industry. In a letter submitted to the Bureau of Industry and Security, CNI emphasized the long-standing commercial relationship between the two nations and Brazil's adherence to fair trade practices. Brazil's exports of ti more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the primary representative body for Brazilian industry, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding its Section 232 national security investigation into copper imports. In a letter dated April 1st, 2025, the CNI emphasized the long-standing commercial relationship between the two nations and Brazil's modest role in the U.S. copper import market. The CNI highlighted the 200-year trade relationshi more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Canadian government has expressed significant concerns to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, warning of potential disruptions to the deeply integrated North American biofuels market. In a strongly worded letter dated April 10, 2025, addressed to IRS Associate Chief Counsel Camille Edwards Bennehoff, Canada highlighted the importance of reciprocal treatment for biofuel feedstocks a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- A coalition of Canadian canola industry organizations is urging the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revise the proposed Sec.45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit (Sec.45Z), warning that its current structure unfairly excludes canola-based biofuels and jeopardizes the growth of the U.S. biofuel sector. In a joint written submission, the Canola Council of Canada (CCC), the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA), and the Canadian Canola  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has strongly advocated for the continued duty-free access of Canadian copper to the United States, urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to exclude Canada from any potential tariffs or trade restrictions arising from the Section 232 national security investigation into copper imports. In a letter submitted to the Bureau of Industry and Security, MAC President and CEO Pierre Gratton emphasized Canada's crucial role as a reliable supplie more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (CWPCA) has strongly cautioned the U.S. Department of Commerce against including wood packaging materials and unassembled components in potential tariffs stemming from its Section 232 investigation into forest products. In a written submission dated April 1, 2025, the CWPCA argued that such tariffs would be "unnecessary" and "unwise," given the deeply interconnected nature of the U.S. and Canadian supply chains. Representin more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The CHAP Alliance has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), opposing the imposition of Section 232 tariffs on wood products from Canada. The Alliance argues that these products do not pose a national security threat to the United States. In a letter, Michael S. Snarr of Baker & Hostetler LLP, counsel for CHAP Alliance, stated, "Wood products from Canada do not pose a national security threat to the United States." The l more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposed enhanced systematic process for post-market assessment of chemicals in food. CHPA welcomes the FDA's focus on this issue and offers recommendations to improve the process. CHPA emphasizes the importance of public  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (National Immigration Project) has vehemently opposed a new interim final rule (IFR) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding alien registration, calling for its immediate rescission. In a strongly worded letter to Chief of the Residence and Naturalization Division Mark Phillips, the organization argued that the rule seeks to criminalize noncitizens for their mere presence in the U.S. more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America, the U.S. trade association representing the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, has submitted comments to the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Sec. 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The association is advocating for policy stability and offering recommendations to refine the implementation of the credit. In its letter, Clean Fuels emphasizes the importance of American- more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood has submitted comments to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, urging comprehensive relief from increasing imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products. The Coalition, comprised of domestic hardwood plywood manufacturers, argues that these imports threaten U.S. national security. In its submission, the Coalition asserts that "rapidly rising U.S. imports of timber, lumber, a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Conservative Political Action Coalition Foundation's Center for Regulatory Freedom (CRF) is demanding that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) immediately withdraw its plans to implement new leadership assessment surveys for federal employees. In a strongly worded letter to Acting Director Charles Ezell, CRF Director Andrew Langer argued that the proposed surveys, which include metrics for "diversity, equity, inclusion" (DEI) and "diversity, equity, inclusion,  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund (AFREF), and the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), is urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to finalize its proposed rule on prohibited terms and conditions in consumer financial contracts. The groups argue that the rule is essential to protect individuals and families from unfair and deceptive practices. The advocacy groups strongly support the CFPB's pr more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Consumer Brands Association (CBA) has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce, urging careful consideration in its investigation into the potential impact of wood product imports on national security. The CBA, which represents nearly 2,000 iconic brands in the consumer packaged goods industry, expresses its support for strengthening American manufacturing while emphasizing the importance of imported wood pulp for essential consumer goods. In its letter, th more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Consumer Brands Association (CBA), representing the consumer-packaged goods industry, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), advocating for a modernized, systematic process for post-market assessment of chemicals in food. The CBA's letter expresses support for the FDA's efforts to enhance the post-market review process, while also raising concerns about state-level legislative actions that are creating a "patchwork of requirements" for food ing more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The EFI Foundation (EFIF), a non-profit organization focused on advancing solutions to climate change, has submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. EFIF's recommendations aim to strengthen the credit and enhance its effectiveness and accessibility, drawing upon their report, "A Strategic Roadmap for Decarbonizing the U.S. Ethanol Industry." EFIF emphasizes ethanol's potential as a key feedstock for sust more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- EMD Serono, the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its draft guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drug and biological product development. In its letter, EMD Serono expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to provide input and outlined several proposals aimed at enhancing the guidance and maximizing AI's potential to accelerate the development of safe and ef more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a national non-profit organization, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), applauding the agency's move to create a post-market review system for food chemicals of concern, but urging it to take more decisive action. In its letter, CEH Senior Legislative Counsel Thomas R. Fox stated, "For too long, the FDA has left the safety of food chemicals up to the chemical industry, not the FDA." The organization hi more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- A coalition of environmental organizations has submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce, emphasizing the critical role of mature and old-growth forests in national security and urging against increased timber production on federal lands. The letter, addressed to Stephen Astle, Director of the Defense Industrial Base Division, Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security, was submitted in response to a request for public comments on the national security  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- A scholar from the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) has submitted a comment to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), criticizing its draft guidance on evaluating sex-specific and gender-specific data in medical device clinical studies. Rachel N. Morrison, J.D., a Fellow and Director of EPPC's Administrative State Accountability Project (ASAP), argues that the guidance contains inaccuracies and conflicts with President Trump's executive orders and Department of Health more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Equality California, the state's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, has voiced its strong opposition to proposed rule changes that would affect gender-affirming care and DACA beneficiaries under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a letter, the organization expresses concern that the proposed changes "directly contradicts the core intent of the ACA" and "undermines the principles of equality and inclusivity that the law was built upon." Equality California argues that more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Equality Illinois, the state's LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, has voiced strong opposition to proposed changes by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would impact healthcare coverage for transgender individuals. In a submission to CMS, Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Michael Ziri stated, "These changes would significantly harm transgender people, particularly transgender people of color and immigrant trans individuals, who already face sub more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The European Union (EU) has formally criticized the U.S. Department of Commerce's investigation into timber and lumber imports, arguing that such imports do not pose a threat to U.S. national security. In its submission to the Bureau of Industry and Security, the EU Delegation to the United States of America expressed its concerns regarding the investigation initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The EU argues that the investigation appears to be dr more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce, arguing that pulp, paper, and paperboard imports from Europe do not threaten U.S. national security. Cepi, representing 480 companies operating 856 mills across Europe, is responding to the Commerce Department's investigation into whether imports of timber, lumber, and derivative products pose a threat. In its letter, Cepi states that "U.S. imports of pulp, paper more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Meaningful Metabolism Linda Shapiro Manning, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging revisions to the agency's draft guidance on developing drugs and biological products for weight reduction. Manning, in her letter, commends the FDA for updating its guidance and acknowledging obesity as a chronic disease, but expresses concerns about several aspects of the document. A primary concern is the terminology us more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME), a non-profit association focused on the safety and security of commercial explosive materials, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding proposed changes to hazardous materials transportation regulations. In a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), IME addressed the agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) HM-265, "Hazardous Materials: Advancing Safety of more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Ag Processing Inc (AGP), a farmer-owned cooperative representing over 200,000 American soybean producers, has submitted extensive comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. While acknowledging the potential of the credit to strengthen energy security and revitalize rural economies, AGP called for significant revisions to the current guidance to ensure fai more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a submission from the Florence Healthcare Site Enablement League (SEL) regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in regulatory decision-making for drug and biological products. The SEL, comprising representatives from clinical research sites, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and contract research organizations, offered comments on the FDA's draft guidance on the matter. The SEL's submission highlights several  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Food Industry Association (FMI) has submitted detailed comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposed enhanced systematic process for the post-market assessment of chemicals in food. In a letter dated January 21, 2025, FMI expressed its support for the FDA's initiative while also offering several recommendations to further refine the process and ensure transparency and scientific rigor. The FDA's proposal aims to create a more structured appro more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- Frenzy, an agricultural technology company, has submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urging the agency to recognize the carbon intensity (CI) reduction benefits of yield-enhancing products in the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit framework. In a letter dated April 10, 2025, Frenzy CEO Chris Harbourt emphasized the company's mission "to increase soybean yield through sustainable, natural, and farmer-friendly solutions" and its potential contribution more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Decorative Hardwoods Association (DHA) has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce, urging action against what it describes as unfair trade practices that threaten the U.S. hardwood industry and national security. The DHA, representing North American manufacturers of hardwood plywood, hardwood veneer, and engineered wood flooring, argues that these practices, particularly from Asian countries, warrant scrutiny. In its letter to the Department of Commerce,  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Defend Our Health, a non-profit organization, has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revamp its post-market assessment of chemicals in food. In a letter, the organization expressed concern about consumer exposure to thousands of synthetic chemicals through food and packaging, many of which have not been adequately reviewed for safety. Defend Our Health argues that the FDA's current approach places an "unfair burden" on states, like Maine, which have been fo more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children (NJCIC) has strongly opposed a new interim final rule (IFR) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding alien registration, arguing that it will strain the immigration system, violate rights, and fail to meet the government's objectives. In a letter to Mark Phillips, Residence and Naturalization Division Chief at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), NJCIC expressed its firm opposition to the en more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN), a Long Island-based organization, has strongly criticized a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration, arguing that it presents "significant constitutional concerns" and "violates the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution." In a letter submitted to the DHS, CARECEN detailed its opposition to the rule, focusing on it more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Indonesian government has expressed its concerns to a U.S. federal agency regarding the potential imposition of additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, on timber and lumber imports. In a letter, Indonesia emphasized the long-standing and robust economic ties between the two nations and the potential damage that such measures could inflict on both economies. Indonesia highlighted the strong trade relationship it has with the United States, noting that the U.S.  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), a national industry group representing over a hundred companies and organizations, has submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding draft proposed regulations for the clean fuel production credit under Section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. In its letter, FCHEA commends the Treasury Department, IRS, and Department of Energy "on their work to prepare rules to implement Sec. 45Z, which we believe ar more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Absolute Energy, an ethanol production facility based in Iowa, has submitted extensive comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. While expressing gratitude for the IRS's support of the biofuel industry, the company urged the inclusion of corn kernel fiber as a qualifying feedstock and called for modifications and clarifications to several aspects of the proposed regulations, particularly conce more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Korea International Trade Association (KITA), representing over 71,000 Korean companies, has voiced its strong concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce's Section 232 national security investigation into copper imports. In a letter submitted to Secretary of Commerce Howard W. Lutnick on April 1, 2025, KITA Chairman Jin Sik Yoon argued that imposing tariffs on copper and its derivative products could negatively impact the U.S. economy and urged the U.S. to refrai more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Justice Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC) has submitted a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expressing its strong opposition to the interim final rule on Alien Registration and Evidence of Registration. In the letter, dated April 10, 2025, the JDC argues that the proposed registry is discriminatory, infringes on constitutional rights, and will negatively impact immigrant communities. Milli Atkinson, Director of the  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has requested an extension to the comment period for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Section 232 investigation into timber and lumber imports. In a letter submitted on April 1, 2025, NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan M. Paine also provided abbreviated comments, cautioning against measures that could restrict lumber imports, particularly from Canada. Paine requested the comment deadline be extended to Apr more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Methanol Institute (MI), the global trade association for the methanol industry, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the implementation of Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credits, enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In its letter, MI expresses support for the inclusion of methanol as an eligible fuel for the credit, stating, "We believe that this is a designation that will establis more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association (NDEPA) is calling on the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to quickly finalize guidance for Section 45Z of the Inflation Reduction Act, which supports low-carbon fuel production. In a letter to the agencies, NDEPA emphasizes the significant investments ethanol producers in the state have already made. The letter cites examples such as Red Trail Energy (now Gevo North Dakota)'s $35 million i more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The American Petroleum Institute (API), representing the nation's oil and natural gas industry, has submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department outlining several concerns regarding the implementation of the new Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit (CFPC). In a letter dated April 10, 2025, API Vice President of Corporate Policy Aaron Padilla, PhD, urged the agencies to address ambiguities and potential unintended consequences withi more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) has cautioned the Department of Commerce against imposing tariffs on timber and lumber imports, citing potential disruptions to the U.S. supply chain and increased costs for pallet manufacturers. In a letter submitted in response to the Section 232 national security investigation, the NWPCA highlighted the critical role of wood pallets in the movement of goods. Jason G. Ortega, Vice President of Public Affairs for more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Innovative Payments Association (IPA) has called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to withdraw its proposed interpretive rule that would expand the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to cover cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. In a letter to the CFPB, the IPA, a trade organization representing the electronic payments sector, expressed concern that the rule is "overly expansive" and may have been issued "without sufficient study, analysis, or st more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Association of Exporters (ADEX), a Peruvian business institution, has submitted comments to a U.S. federal agency defending Peru's timber trade practices and asserting that its wood exports do not pose a threat to U.S. national security. ADEX's letter was submitted in response to a Section 232 investigation into timber imports. ADEX represents a wide range of companies, including those in the wood and wood products sector. The association highlights that many of its mem more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), representing leading biopharmaceutical research companies, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its draft guidance for developing drugs and biological products for weight reduction. In a letter dated April 8, 2025, addressed to the Division of Dockets Management, PhRMA expressed its support for the FDA's acknowledgment of obesity as a chronic disease while advocating for greater  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) has urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to include captured waste gas from mining activity, known as coal mine methane (CMM), in the eligibility criteria for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. In a letter submitted to the IRS, the ACAA argued that CMM meets the requirements for clean fuel but was inexplicably excluded from the agency's 45ZCF-GREET model. Vince Gastgeb, Chief Government & Corporate Affairs Officer more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Anactisis, LLC, a materials science firm based in Pittsburgh, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce, advocating for the development and adoption of aluminum-scandium (AlSc) alloys as a strategic alternative to copper wires for the expanding electric grid and other critical applications. Citing copper supply chain vulnerabilities, rising costs, and geopolitical factors, Anactisis argues that AlSc alloys offer a compelling blend of lightweight strength, cor more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), the leading trade association for the plumbing fixtures and fittings manufacturing industry, has voiced its strong opposition to the imposition of tariffs on imported copper and copper alloys. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce, PMI argues that such tariffs would harm U.S. manufacturers, drive up prices for consumers, and threaten the nation's economic stability. The letter, addressed to Deputy Assistant Secretary for  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has strongly urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw its proposed 2026 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-sector General Permit (MSGP) for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities, arguing that the changes would impose "significant costs and unreasonable timelines with no clear benefits" on the rail industry. In detailed comments submitted to the agency, the AAR, rep more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has received recommendations from the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS), a non-profit organization focused on global conflict and transnational security issues, urging a more robust expansion of export controls on facial recognition technology (FRT) and other biometric systems. In a submission dated September 27, 2024, C4ADS voiced its support for BIS's proposed rule to enhance controls on exports that could be misused more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Amp Americas, a leading American-owned developer and operator of renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities that convert dairy waste into energy, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. While commending the recognition of RNG producers as eligible claimants, Amp Americas called for crucial clarifications and revisions to the proposed guidance to fully unlock the poten more ST

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Food Packaging Forum (FPF), a science-based organization based in Switzerland, has called on the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt a more robust and transparent process for assessing the safety of chemicals used in food contact materials. In a letter submitted on January 21, 2025, in response to the FDA's proposal for an enhanced post-market assessment of chemicals in food, the FPF emphasized the need for modern scientific principles and greater s more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) has voiced significant concerns regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule on Marketplace Integrity and Affordability, arguing that while the intent to combat fraud and abuse is laudable, the proposed policies may ultimately be ineffective and could harm both patients and providers. In a strongly worded letter submitted electronically to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, the SCHA outlined its reservat more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), representing approximately 200 members in the U.S. spice industry, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposed enhanced systematic process for the post-market assessment of chemicals in food. While commending the FDA's initiative to ensure the safety of existing chemical approvals, ASTA urges the agency to adopt a distinct approach when evaluating contaminants compared to intentionally a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its draft risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge, highlighting the potential for significant impacts on land application and disposal operations. While acknowledging the prioritization of these two PFAS compounds, ASTSWMO recommends a more comprehensive approach. Although the prioritization of PFOA and PFOS in more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Antora Energy, a manufacturer of American-made thermal batteries for industrial heat and power, has urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide a clear "safe harbor" for clean fuel projects developed under preliminary guidance for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. In a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Acting Commissioner Melanie Krause, Antora emphasized the need for swift action due to the credit's short, three-year lifespan. Sasha  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Forest Products Association of Binh Dinh (FPA Binh Dinh), representing over 150 wood processing companies in Vietnam, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce, expressing concerns about the Section 232 national security investigation into timber and lumber imports. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard William Lutnick, FPA Binh Dinh Chairman Nguyen Sy Hoe outlined the organization's views, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. market to its members.  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The Alliance for Women's Health and Prevention (AWHP) has issued a strong statement to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), emphasizing the critical need for robust vaccine recommendations in light of a concerning measles outbreak. In a letter dated April 10th, 2025, the AWHP expressed its support for the ACIP's work while urging the committee to prioritize clear and practical immunization guidelines. Th more ST