PPWO has been a valuable resource in not only making sure we have the latest information regarding the proposed rule, but also putting pressure on DOL to consider changes to the proposal. The coalition, chaired by the Society of Human Resource Management, has effectively communicated the wide-reaching impact that the proposal could have on all kinds of employers—from for-profit companies to not-for-profit organizations.
With respect to commercial trucking, NLBMDA is a member of the Hours-of-Service (HOS) Coalition. Chaired by the American Trucking Associations, last year our advocacy efforts were successful in suspending the 34-hour restart provision that is part of the HOS rule, which limits the number of hours a commercial truck driver can spend behind the wheel.
In July 2013, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) instituted a new 34-hour restart requirement to the HOS rule, including the requirement for two consecutive rest periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. As part of FY 2015 appropriations, the moratorium to the restart provision remains in place until FMCSA conducts an analysis of the effects of the provision on driver safety.
This fall, NLBMDA has worked with NAHB on another issue, building energy codes. After weeks of outreach to congressional offices, we were able to have a provision that requires any code or proposal supported by the Department of Energy to have a payback period of 10 years or less included in broader energy legislation approved the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The issues mentioned above are just a few where NLBMDA partners with like-minded organizations. Overall, we actively participate in 17 legislative and regulatory coalitions. Partnering with these organizations allows the NLBMDA government to cover a wide range of issues to improve the legislative and regulatory climate for lumber dealers.