Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
From all of us at IHMM we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
IHMM Today is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
are compiled from independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, and ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it, and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
IHMM Certificant Recognition
IHMM has completed inserting new credential badges in every certificant’s MYIHMM account. Everyone may access those badges for use in their email signatures, LinkedIn accounts, and other social media and communications media. With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are also now placed 10 Year, 20 Year, and 30 Year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
IHMM has also added Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges will be accompanied by new lapel pins to be sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
Kentucky Devastated By Tornadoes
I was traveling from Washington, DC back to Connecticut early Saturday morning and as soon as we boarded the plane we were informed of a 3-hour delay due to weather. Then we all learned of the utter devastation suffered by the people of Kentucky, dozens killed and scores still missing and injured – with entire towns wiped out by tornadoes.
I got home 3 hours late, but at least I had a home to return to and my family was safe.
I made a donation to the American Red Cross to help with the recovery efforts in Kentucky. If you’re in a position to help, here is how the Governor of Kentucky encourages people to help in any way they can.
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Gov. Andy Beshear has established a fund to assist tornado victims and begin rebuilding. Donate at secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief or by sending a check to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero St., 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.
American Red Cross
Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.
Aspire Appalachia
Send donations to [email protected] or PO Box 1255, Jackson, KY 41339.
CARE
The nonprofit based in Atlanta is partnering with Louisville’s Change Today, Change Tomorrow to distribute food, water and cash vouchers to affected families. Donate to the tornado relief fund here.
Global Empowerment Mission
The disaster relief nonprofit based in Miami is sending trucks of supplies to western Kentucky, in partnership with Racing Louisville and Louisville City Football Club. Donate funds at globalempowermentmission.org/mission/kentucky-tornadoes/.
Global Giving
The D.C.-based nonprofit has established a Midwest US Tornado Relief Fund at globalgiving.org/projects/midwest-tornado-relief-fund/.
Kentucky Counseling Center
The organization is collecting donations that counselors and social workers in Graves County will distribute to affected families. Donate at kentuckycounselingcenter.com/mayfield-fund/.
IHMM Honors Andrea Schuessler and Denny Carlson
After a long and productive Board meeting held on Friday the 10th, we had a chance for some social time together honoring two Board members whose terms are coming to a close; Andrea Schuessler and Denny Carlson. Unfortunately, Denny could not be with us in person, but Andrea could.
At right, our Board Chair Richie Spangler, CHMM, CDGP, of Sandia National Laboratories presents retiring Board member Andrea Schuessler, CHMM of AstraZeneca, a special award of thanks for her service as a Board member, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Thanks to those who came and helped us celebrate a great board meeting and Andrea and Denny who helped make our organization the outstanding servant of the environment, our communities of practice, and our certificants alike. Thank you Andrea and Denny for your years of outstanding contributions to IHMM, your leadership and friendship.
CHMMs In Demand
There are over 550 jobs being advertised worldwide on just ONE job site with a preference or requirement that the candidate holds a valid IHMM CHMM credential. Certified Hazardous Materials Managers are in great demand! Below are only 12 of these more than 550 jobs being advertised worldwide.
Calibre Systems needs an Environmental SME in Belvoir, VA and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Cardinal Health needs an Environment, Health and Safety Manager in Whitestone, NY and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
ERM needs a Partner, Safety Director in Seoul, South Korea and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
ERM needs a Partner, Safety Director in Beijing, China and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
HILTI needs an Environmental Manager in Tulsa, OK and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Johnson & Johnson is looking for a Senior Specialist, EHS in Raynham, MA and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Koniag Govt Services is looking for an Environmental Program Manager in Kodiak, AK and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
L3Harris Technologies is looking for a Manager, Environmental Health and Safety in Girlstown, TX and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Meijer is looking for an Environmental Manager in Grand Rapids, MI and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Siemens Healthineers is looking for an Global Head of Environmental Health & Safety in Sudbury, England and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Thermo Fischer Scientific is looking for a Senior Manager EHS in Alachua, FL and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
Trihydro Corporation is looking for a Senior Environmental Project Manager in Cincinnati, OH and is looking for an IHMM CHMM
IHMM AHMM Scheme Committee – Call for Volunteers
The IHMM Associate Hazardous Materials Manager [AHMM] Scheme Committee has an immediate vacancy for membership. We are also seeking Subject Matter Experts who are CHMMs, CHMPs, as well as those with some military service.
Charter: The Associate Hazardous Materials Manager [AHMM] Scheme Committee shall consist of subject matter experts whose responsibilities are twofold: To develop and maintain valid, legally defensible, and credible certification examinations in accordance with the latest approved policies and procedures; and to recommend and maintain standards for recertification, to evaluate activities that may be claimed for recertification, and to hear appeals of recertification decisions, in accordance with the latest approved policies and procedures. Initially, IHMM will not seek accreditation for this credential until the population attracted to this new credential reaches a critical mass capable of sustaining the investment in accreditation, while this committee nonetheless is aware that accreditation will eventually be sought.
The committee membership is awarded in 2-year increments. It requires that members attend virtual meetings, participate in the test specification process, review the draft blueprint and finalize the blueprint according to best practices. Also, develop the examination and write items, participate in the content validation and technical review, and set the cut score. The reward is recognition for your contribution to the continued vitality of the Institute and 10 certification maintenance points (CMPs) per year toward your recertification for your participation and an additional 10 CMPs for developing the final blueprint. In addition, volunteers agree to adhere to the appropriate IHMM Code of Ethics and the IHMM Volunteer Code of Conduct, all members of the scheme committee shall execute an Agreement of Confidentiality at the beginning of each term.
If you are interested, please go to: https://ihmm.org/ahmm-scheme-committee/
If you have any questions, please contact M. Patricia Buley, AHMM Scheme Committee Staff Liaison, at [email protected].
CSHM-CSMP Credential Holders – Good News
We have great news for all CSHM and CSMP credential holders with IHMM. The paper CoC recertification worksheets you have had to do are now history. This week IHMM staff started beta-testing the new system with a handful of CSHMs and CSMPs.
We are pleased to inform you that an entirely secure, web-based recertification system that allows you to input your Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] and keep track of where you are throughout your 5-year recertification cycle is now ready for you to use – no more paper!
You are used to a 30 point or 20 point system over 5 years, and the new system still allows you to enter those points and it will automatically convert them to the IHMM 200-point system. You lose nothing in the transition.
- Go to your MYIHMM account here, and see the top toolbar on the website, click on My IHMM > https://ihmm.org
- If you don’t know your username and password – contact Jimmy Nguyen here > [email protected] or James Drosdak > [email protected] or Kaylene Cagle > [email protected] or Mikki Shea > [email protected] one of them can assist you with your username and password to your account
- Start your recertification application today, no need to wait. We will walk you through the MENU in your account to get to RECERTIFICATION, then start your application. Jimmy, Jim, Kaylene, and Mikki can assist you with how to use the Recertification system. You can contact any one of them using the emails above.
Once you are in your recertification application we will show you how to enter your points based on the blueprint of your credential. This is all the same as what you used to do on paper – except with the electronic version you can keep track of your progress anytime you wish.
This is a great system that, once you see it and use it a bit, will be easy for you to update as you go.
We will soon conduct the survey validation that will lead to the new blueprints. The new blueprints for the CSHM and CSMP will be released after the holidays. IHMM thanks Steve Guillory, Tom Slavin, and the CSHM Scheme Committee https://ihmm.org/cshm-scheme-committee/ and Kirk Rains, Trina Cameron and the CSMP Scheme Committee https://ihmm.org/csmp-scheme-committee/ for the outstanding job they have all done creating new blueprints that will lead to a new exam, and then we seek ANSI accreditation for these programs.
All this work, done by many at IHMM, ensures that the CSHM and CSMP credentials you hold will be the very strongest in the industry and our communities of practice.
OSHA’s FY 2022 Outreach Initiatives
As part of our efforts to keep you informed of OSHA’s activities, we have attached a document that summarizes OSHA’s outreach initiatives for FY 2022. It includes a summary of key national initiatives, a listing of priority industries/topics, and a calendar of key dates. Please note: As we receive new/updated information about events, we will share it with you. See 2022 OSHA Initiatives Here
OSHA’s Regulatory Agenda
As part of our efforts to keep you informed of OSHA’s activities, we wanted to let you know that the Department of Labor, including OSHA, has issued its Fall 2021 Regulatory Agenda. Federal agencies post their regulatory agendas on the Reginfo.gov website twice a year to provide a snapshot of their rulemaking priorities.
A listing of Department of Labor (including OSHA) rulemaking in the pre-rule, proposed rule, and final rule stages is available here. Rules that are classified as long-term actions are listed here. The Department of Labor’s statement of regulatory priorities is provided here.
Who Is Your Company Marketing Head?
Please provide the answer on this webform: https://forms.gle/B2FcmsajPLo6oYzg9
NIOSH Seeks Comments on the Need to Establish Centers of Excellence
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is soliciting public comment on the need to establish centers of excellence to address research and practice needs in the area of personal protective technology (PPT), including personal protective equipment. The request for information has been published in the Federal Register, and complete details of the information requested can be found in the published notice:
Comments can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail as explained in the notice. Comments need to be received by January 31, 2022.
FEDERAL CREDENTIAL RECOGNITION – CALL TO ACTION – Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
CALL TO ACTION – Representative Spanberger of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District has drafted legislation entitled, H.R. 2171, “Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.” This legislation expands the provisions of existing law with respect to the allowable uses of Section 529 education tuition accounts to include most expenses paid by the holders of private professional certifications. We need you to contact your House and Senate members to ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.
CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE
You can support this effort with your voice and message. Go here> https://ihmm.org/45-in-5-task-force/ and fill out your contact information where provided and help to pass H.R. 2171/S. 905.
Senate Passes Resolution to Nix Biden Vaccine Mandate
EPA Publishes Updated NAMs Work Plan
Revised Definition of “Waters of the United States”
Requirements for Negative Pre-Departure Covid-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery From Covid-19 for All Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving Into the United States From Any Foreign Country
House Subcommittees Hold Hearing on PFAS R&D
The State of Wastewater-based Disease Surveillance
Upgrading Plant Infrastructure for Community Benefit
EPA invites 39 new projects to apply for water infrastructure loans
Are outdated communication tools to blame for supply chain bottlenecks?
Researchers Say It’s Time to Clean Up the US Clean Water Act
Michigan: Proposed Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions
Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (20-2.5e)
Cross-Media Electronic Reporting: Authorized Program Revision Approval, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
Draft EPA Strategy To Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities; Comment Request; Correction
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard
Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings; Extension of Comment Period
EPA Announces Appointments of Regional Administrators for Regions 6, 7, and 9
New York Becomes the Third State to Adopt a Constitutional Green Amendment
Prop 65 and PFOS – Impact of the Carcinogenic Finding On Businesses
SEC’s Acting Chief Accountant Emphasizes Significance of Climate Disclosures
Evolving the Relationship Between Safety and the C-Suite
Ensuring the Coast Guard Can ‘Strike’ Fast During HAZMAT Incidents
Report says Virginia has thousands of unregulated aboveground chemical storage tanks
EPA Stops Posting ‘Critically Important’ Data on Chemical Risks
Improving Security Posture Post-Pandemic
Flooding’s Impact on Public Water Supplies, Sanitation
Wastewater epidemiology deciphers popularity of new drugs
Random Acts of Safety
Still a Gap Between Intent and Implementation in Workplace Safety Processes
12 Days of Christmas Safety [Infographic]
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
NSC Webinars
December 15 – Heat Stress and Cold Stress: Responses and Recommendations
December 16 – Fighting the Preventable: How Safety Professionals Can Regulate Noise Exposure and Better Protect Worker Hearing
January 19 – Understanding OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Program Requirements
January 20 – Common OSHA Training Violations: What you can do to protect your company and your workers
January 27 – Hazard Communication – Past, Present and Future
February 3 – COVID-19 Update – The Latest on Mandates and Best Practices
HMS Education and Training to Launch New Training Initiative
Diane Lundelius, Chair of the HMS Education and Training Committee [https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training-committee/] is pleased to announce the committee’s intention to organize Annual Training Agendas for each IHMM Blueprint.
Every IHMM certificate has to recertify their credential every 5 years. Recertification is done by following the Recertification Claims found here > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/. The activities involved in recertification are tied to the credential’s blueprint. Each blueprint is made up of domains and subdomains that outline the core competencies and tasks of the credential.
In creating an Annual Training Agenda for each blueprint, the HMS Education and Training Committee will ask training vendors to propose training programs that directly relate to each domain in each blueprint – creating a roadmap of essential, recommended training programs pre-approved with Certification Maintenance Point [CMP] credits for each course of training. This will vastly strengthen each credential and make it easier for each credential holder to find programs specifically related to their credential for recertification.
Hazardous Materials Society now has 6,347 education and training programs on its website, with more coming every week. Certificants will note that most of these programs carry a CMP value, making it easier to know in advance what to expect. The HMS Education and Training platform also provides a wide variety of courses for professional development across all of IHMM’s credentials – and more are being developed by the HMS Education and Training Committee.
IHMM applicants and certificants are free to search the landscape for training. IHMM wanted to make that task easier by aggregating training in one place if you choose to use it. Among these more than 11.000 programs are webinars delivered online and virtually all carry IHMM CMPs values with them for your annual / 5-year CMP planning.
Bowen EHS Becomes 1st HMS Annual Training Agenda Vendor
HMS is pleased to announce that Bowen EHS [https://www.bowenehs.com/] has become the first education and training vendor to become a part of the development of the HMS Annual Training Agendas.
Bowen EHS has provided programs to assist with the education and training of IHMM credential holders for more than a decade and now leads the vendor community by becoming a part of the development of these new HMS Annual Training Agendas for IHMM credential holders.
IHMM and HMS thank Bowen EHS for their outstanding programs and for their support of our communities of practice.
For more information on becoming an official HMS Annual Training Agenda vendor to work with the HMS Education and Training Committee, please contact Gene Guilford at [email protected].
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
81% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
In February of 2020, the World Health Organization’s director-general has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. On March 13, 2020 President Trump declared a national emergency for the United States. IHMM and HMS’ first concern is with the safety and health of all of us; our staff and families, colleagues, certificants and members. We will update this page regularly as credible, authoritative information is available.
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND LABORATORIES.
IHMM/HMS Coronavirus Resources Website
COVID-19 Data Tracker By State
COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in Non-Healthcare Workplaces
COVID-19 Weekly Review – December 10, 2021
CDC Communications Toolkit
CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations
First Confirmed Case of Omicron Variant Detected in the United States
CDC Tightens Testing Requirement for International Travel to the US to One Day
New! Vaccine Data Dashboard. We now have a specific dashboard dedicated to state vaccination plans, updated daily. For each state, you’ll find:
- Current distribution phase,
- Brief overview of state plan,
- Current and future eligible populations, and
- Links to state documentation.
A Collaborative Culture
There are 552 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
A collaborative culture is important for every business but is especially important for our hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety communities of practice. Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? This is where we come together to help each other.
IHMM credentialed professionals are at the top 1% of their professions and their reach is global. We are at the forefront of environmental protection, health, and safety and this is where collaborating with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another, lessens the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Jim Drosdak at [email protected] and he’ll be happy to help you.
Columbia Southern University
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University. Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2022
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2022, virtually as well as in-person as COVID issues allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2022.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
Ohio Safety Conference 2022
March 9-10, 2022
In March 2022, OSC22 will feature a premium lineup of online learning sessions and a newly enhanced digital expo.
Exhibitors to feature their products and services related to the safety of workers, their equipment, environment, and health all in a remote and virtual environment. Join us to access this exciting event that serves the individuals responsible for keeping Ohio’s workers safe on the job.
American Society of Safety Professionals – San Francisco
March 10, 2022
San Ramon, California
This Annual Symposium provides one of the most sought-after events for attendees to learn the profession’s best practices focusing on Safety, Health, Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Issues. The Symposium is attended by over 400+ attendees annually and features an Exhibition of over 40+ Sponsors and Exhibitors. The event features a keynote speaker and 20 breakout sessions with five concurrent tracks running throughout the day. The event is hosted at the San Ramon Marriott, located at 2600 Bishop Drive in San Ramon, California.
Thank you to Bart Miller, CHMM, for being the IHMM’s leader for this event.
EnviroWorkShops 2022 Global Enviro Summit
April 4-7, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina
Contaminated soil, groundwater, and the air is a global issue and over $1 trillion is spent every year to mitigate pollution. There is a lot still to learn from each other on how each segment of the environmental industry impacts the next. The 2021 Global EnviroSummit is postponed until April 4-7, 2022 due to COVID-19 Delta variant.
With over 75 speakers from around the globe, the EnviroSummit is likely the first environmental conference that will have presentations from all 6 continents about 4 different themes – Remediation, Air Quality, Vapor Intrusion, and Wastewater.
Vendor Alert
How much of this business are you getting? If you want to get involved with delivering services to the growing number of IHMM applicants and those preparing for exams as well as continuing education, contact Jillian Wood at [email protected] or call 301-244-4863 today.
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins
Federal Contractor Vax Requirement Blocked. On December 7, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia preliminarily enjoined President Joe Biden’s Executive Order (EO) 14042 (requiring vaccinations for employees of federal contractors) nationwide. The injunction follows a more limited injunction that was issued last week. With the federal contractor vaccination requirement now sidelined along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 vaccine emergency temporary standard (ETS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ healthcare rules, the administration is currently 0–3 in its efforts to mandate vaccinations in private-sector workplaces (the vaccination requirement applicable to federal employees remains in place). Of course, this is just the current state of affairs—the litigation in all three challenges could still unfold in a variety of ways. In enjoining EO 14042, the court wrote:
The Court finds that Plaintiffs have a likelihood of proving that Congress, through the language it used, did not clearly authorize the President to issue the kind of mandate contained in EO 14042, as EO 14042 goes far beyond addressing administrative and management issues in order to promote efficiency and economy in procurement and contracting, and instead, in the application, works as a regulation of public health, which is not clearly authorized under the Procurement Act.
Leigh M. Nason has the details.
Senate Votes to Rescind OSHA Vax ETS. On December 8, 2021, the U.S. Senate approved a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that would rescind OSHA’s ETS. The resolution passed, 52–48, with Democratic senators Jon Tester (MT) and Joe Manchin (WV) joining all 50 Republican senators in voting to rescind the ETS. At the time of this writing, the U.S. House of Representatives has not moved on a companion resolution. Of course, even if the House were to take up and pass a CRA resolution, President Biden would almost assuredly veto the measure. In 2015, President Barack Obama vetoed a CRA resolution sent to him by Congress that would have rescinded the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) “ambush” election regulation.
NLRB to Return to Fractured Bargaining Units? On December 7, 2021, the NLRB announced that it would accept amicus briefs on the issue of whether it should return to the bargaining unit determination standard as set forth in the 2011 Specialty Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center of Mobile case. That case—which established an “overwhelming community of interest” standard for inclusion of excluded employees into a petitioned-for bargaining unit—was overruled in a 2017 case. Dissenting members John F. Ring and Marvin E. Kaplan predict that the end result of the Board’s latest foray into this issue—a return to allowing unions to organize micro-bargaining units under Specialty Healthcare—is inevitable (“It seems more likely than not that the current Board majority will return to the one-sided analysis of Specialty Healthcare,” they wrote), and they have expressed concern that the Board might even take the standard further to allow the extent of employees’ organizing to be a controlling factor in unit determinations. Briefs are due no later than Friday, January 21, 2022.
Whither the Regulatory Agenda? With just a few weeks left before the end of the year, the administration has not yet released its 2021 fall regulatory agenda. The agenda will forecast the administration’s regulatory activity for the first half of 2022—something that the regulated community is very curious about. There is no specific deadline by which the agenda must be released, but prior fall regulatory agendas dating back from 2020 to 2018 were published on December 9, November 20, and October 17, respectively. If history is a guide, the 2021 fall regulatory agenda should be released any day now.
RIP, Bob Dole. Former senator Robert J. Dole passed away on December 5, 2021, at the age of 98. Dole represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, from 1969 to 1996, serving as both majority leader and minority leader, and he was a member of the House of Representatives from 1961 to 1969. He lost both presidential elections in which he was a nominated candidate: in 1976, as former president Gerald Ford’s vice presidential nominee, and in 1996 as the Republican presidential nominee. Severely wounded in combat as a 21-year-old enlisted soldier during World War II, and having sustained an injury that resulted in the loss of the use of his right hand, Dole subsequently became an advocate for the disabled during his time in politics. In particular, he played a vital role in negotiating language and garnering Republican support for the bill that became the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Dole continued his advocacy for people with disabilities, even in retirement. In 2012, he delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate in favor of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The vote on ratification failed by five votes. Former senator Dole lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on December 9, 2021, and he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
IHMM-HMS EVENTS CALENDAR
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society is IHMM’s Professional Association and HMS’ education and training website can be found here.
IHMM AFFILIATIONS
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516