About VMA EAC
The VMA supports environmental policy that recognized the Commonwealth’s responsibility in maintaining efficient, lean, cost-effective and responsive state environmental agencies and efforts of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that result in state administration of federally-delegated programs. Further, these programs and policies should have an appropriate balanced between environmental protection and economic development; be based on good science; consider cost impacts and comparative risk assessments in regulatory process; and, allow for flexible and performance-based approaches to environmental compliance.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1922 and located in Richmond, Virginia, the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) provides the basic action programs for manufacturers to effectively participate in the shaping of laws, regulations and administrative rulings, which affect industrial operations throughout the Commonwealth. We carry a continuing responsibility to work for industrial businesses in supporting and advancing reasonable and balanced pro-business public policies in Virginia. Through the efforts of the VMA membership and a dedicated professional staff we achieve results, which exceed the reach of any single firm. We encourage and support industry located in the Commonwealth, afford a medium for cooperation among those industries, and initiate, encourage and promote constructive policies and activities on behalf of Virginia industry.
Nowhere in the organization is this in greater evidence than in the VMA Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC). Pollution control laws and regulations have been given the highest priority of attention at the state and federal levels of government. A major portion of the technical expertise and operating experience in pollution control is within the state manufacturing community. The EAC is concerned with all state and federal policies and initiatives on environmental matters of concern to industry. It reviews proposed new and revised program and policy initiatives and makes recommendations to the leadership of the organization on positions. It assists in the preparation of testimony and comments for state and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies. It assists in the drafting of legislation and regulations. The VMA also works with national partners such as NAM and the American Chemistry Council to provide state-specific guidance on Federal legislation and regulation as well.
Through the EAC, VMA has established itself as the acknowledged expert on questions regarding the environment. Members of the General Assembly, the Administration and leadership at the Department of Environmental Quality all seek input from VMA on environmental matters in order to make better and more informed decisions. The majority of the EAC’s resources are involved in regulatory rulemaking and legal expertise. The VMA is clearly identified as Industry’s Advocate in all matters, but particularly in the area of environmental management and members benefit from that alliance.
Economic Impact:
The Virginia General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) released a much anticipated report in October 2006 on the Impact of Regulations on Virginia’s Manufacturing Sector. The report, which was the result of several months of surveys and case studies conducted by JLARC with the cooperation of many of Virginia’s finest manufacturing companies and VMA staff, is the first of its kind in the United States. The report analyzed compliance costs, direct and indirect, in four major areas: taxation, environmental, economic and workplace. The total cost of regulatory compliance in the manufacturing sector for these four areas was reported to be as much as $3.49 billion in 2005 alone. The total direct and indirect upper limits for the environmental regulatory area were $1.72 billion.
Environmental Program Structure:
The VMA’s largest member committee is the Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC). This committee and its subcommittees meet throughout the year to discuss current and future environmental issues and network with Virginia regulators. The EAC divides its work into two subcommittees (Air and Water) and the Virginia Climate Change Council. The subcommittees are specifically funded by their members and retain legal counsel to represent the subcommittees on specific regulatory concerns.
The VMA environmental program is supported by staff, counsel and membership. The regulatory program and committees are the responsibility of Joe Croce, VMA Senior Vice President. Mr. Croce has over 30 years in risk management, engineering and government affairs experience. VMA has five professionals representing industry in environmental legislative and regulatory affairs. The membership’s volunteer participation represents an additional investment in environmental affairs that is critical to the overall success of the VMA’s environmental program.
COALITIONS:
The VMA organizes and participates in short-term, issue-based coalitions when necessary. The VMA has also organized an ad-hoc industry stakeholder group, Virginia Industries for the Environment, in order to better address broad goals and challenges facing industry through the regulatory, legislative and executive processes affecting environmental regulation. |
