education & meetings

Regulatory Workshops

Regulatory Pre-Conference Workshop: Hot Topics in Environment and Transportation

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

The federal government is proposing major changes to environmental and transportation regulations at a furious pace, largely driven by environmental justice and climate change concerns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working on proposals to change the rules for drum reconditioning, add requirements to the Risk Management Program regulations, limit emissions from heavy duty engine vehicles, and more. Among the items on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulatory agenda are proposals to require speed limiters in heavy duty vehicles, revise the Electronic Logging Device and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules, and update the Hazardous Materials Regulations. These regulatory changes are underway while companies continue to face workforce and supply chain challenges. This timely workshop will feature a variety of topics and update attendees on the environmental and transportation regulatory landscape, including the new requirements that are now or will soon be in place and how companies can prepare and comply. Register for the workshop here.

Thank You to Our Regulatory Workshop Sponsor

Jensen

Agenda

**Click the session title for more information.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023
7:30-8:00 am

Registration

8:00-8:15 am

Welcome and Introductions
Jennifer Gibson, National Association of Chemical Distributors

8:15-9:30 am

Environmental Justice - What Does This Mean for Your Company and Operations?
Dr. Kimberly Wise White, American Chemistry Council

The topic of Environmental Justice (EJ) has received an increasing amount of focus at the federal, state, and local levels of government. President Biden has issued several Executive Orders to implement an EJ agenda that include substantial community funding, changes to EPA and other agency regulations, and enforcement priorities. This interactive session will address what this focus on EJ means for your business and what you can do to be prepared and continue to operate.

9:30-9:45 am

Break

9:45-10:45 am

Major EPA Rulemakings and Programs Targeting the Chemical Distribution and Warehousing Industries
Pete Downing, Environment & Safety Solutions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is at the forefront of the Biden Administration’s efforts to address environmental justice and climate change. This, along with EPA’s focus on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances is having a major impact on current and future regulations as well as enforcement. This session will address top EPA regulatory proposals and enforcement initiatives impacting chemical distribution and warehousing facilities and what companies can expect in the coming months.

10:45-11:30 am

DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Updates
William Schoonover, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety

The February 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio has focused increased attention on the transportation of hazardous materials. During this session, William Schoonover, head of PHMSA’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety will discuss how his team is working with the Federal Railroad Administration and other agencies on policies to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents. Mr. Schoonover will also review other PHMSA regulatory priorities and initiatives and will share the many valuable training and compliance resources the agency has available for the hazardous materials transportation community.

11:30 am-12:15 pm

DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Updates
Melissa Williams, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a substantial list of initiatives on its regulatory agenda for the next several months at the pre, proposed, and final rule stages. During this session, the agency’s Melissa Williams will update participants on these activities. She will also discuss other FMCSA safety initiatives and resources the agency has available for drivers and motor carriers.

12:15-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-1:50 pm

The Race for Clean Fleets – Are the New Targets Realistic and How Will They Impact Trucking Capacity?
Daniel R. Furth, Heniff Transportation Systems, LLC

The federal government and states such as California have taken major regulatory actions to make trucking fleets “clean” by requiring the phase-out of fossil fuels to power these vehicles. In this session, trucking industry expert Dan Furth of Heniff will discuss these new regulations as well as the practical challenges they present including weight limitations, capacity, and the availability of equipment and technology.

1:50-2:00 pm

Final Questions and Closing Remarks

*Please plan to join us prior to the workshop at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, August 15 for a joint Regulatory-Responsible Distribution reception!
**Sessions and speakers subject to change.