The Coalition for Workplace Safety (“CWS”) respectfully requests an extension to the comment period on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (“OSHA”) Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPRM”), Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings, which was published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2021. CWS and many of its member associations intend to comment on the ANPRM. OSHA’s current comment period, however, poses challenges for stakeholders seeking to provide thoughtful, accurate responses to the numerous questions posed in the ANPRM.

We, the undersigned associations, represent both public and private sector organizations that produce and use the materials, products, and equipment necessary to build America’s infrastructure and employ millions of hard-working Americans in well-paying jobs.

Our organizations represent a diverse set of economic sectors that form the backbone of the American economy—agriculture, energy, construction, forestry, manufacturing, transportation, and other sectors. Through the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the United States has made the most significant investment in infrastructure since the New Deal. The Act will promote projects that will enable the movement of people, goods, information, and energy to support the American economy. To ensure that the Act succeeds, further efforts are needed.

On behalf of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I write to request an extension to the extremely short comment period for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard. The agency has only provided the public with 30 days to submit input. This is an extensive rulemaking, and stakeholders need more time to provide the agency with comprehensive comments. Additional time will allow the employer community to find issues or points of concern as they attempt to implement the ETS.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley issued the following statement regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announcement of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that phases in a vaccine mandate for companies with over 100 employees.

We, the undersigned coalition of associations, representing agriculture, foodservice, trucking, warehousing, manufacturing, retail, construction, energy, and other key supply chain stakeholders, call on the Biden Administration to work with our industries to address the immense challenges impacting our nation’s supply chain. While we represent different industries, we share the common burden of current supply chain disruptions, which are driving up prices and leading to a growing shortage of goods in the United States, with the holidays just around the corner.

The undersigned organizations representing a cross-section of business and financial interests write to reiterate our strong opposition to the new tax information reporting regime proposed by the Department of Treasury and under consideration by Congress as part of the proposed reconciliation spending package. We respectfully request that this proposal be withdrawn from further consideration, and the administration consider more targeted measures to reduce the tax gap.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, aggregates operators have taken aggressive actions to protect workers, as they continue to produce America’s essential building materials. We support your overall goal of vaccinating Americans against COVID-19 and have launched a national vaccination campaign in concert with our member companies.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley issued the following statement as the U.S. Department of Labor released its long awaited Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) which targets healthcare and does not cover other workplaces under the jurisdiction of OSHA or MSHA.

In light of recent positive developments to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are writing to, once again, share our concerns with the implementation of an emergency temporary standard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) shares your strong desire to protect American workers and we are proud of our partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL) to advance its critical mission.