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Legislative Agenda

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AMPP Policy Priorities

Policy Priorities and Advocacy – United States

  • Corrosion threatens our environment and public safety, sometimes with catastrophic results. Whether in the form of a bridge collapse, a pipeline failure, or even a dead car battery; corrosion harms people, assets, and the environment at a cost of more than $500 billion a year. Fortunately, when properly addressed, the harmful effects of corrosion can be mitigated, and costs can be reduced by as much as thirty percent.
  • The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) advances the corrosion prevention and coatings industry through member and workforce education, technological innovation, and global standardization to protect people, assets, and the environment. We advance this mission by working with policymakers throughout the world to emphasize the importance of corrosion planning and training.
  • The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) advances the corrosion prevention and coatings industry through member and workforce education, technological innovation, and global standardization to protect people, assets, and the environment. We advance this mission by working with policymakers throughout the world to emphasize the importance of corrosion planning and training.
  • A complete list of our priorities and positions can be found below.

Areas of focus

Areas of focus

  • Pass H.R. 4064/S.1932, the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act through both Chambers of Congress
  • Supporting the passage H.R. 1477/S. 722, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
  • Promoting policies that protect water and wastewater assets from corrosion
  • Developing best practices and standards that prevent corrosion of crucial renewable energy assets, including offshore wind
  • Supporting the Department of Defense Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight (CPO)

On the regulatory side, we will:

  • Work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on any changes to the Blood Lead Level for Medical Removal Rule
  • Lead implementation efforts with respect to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) “Mega Rule”
  • Inform the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) about best safety practices for offshore wind projects
  • Follow any PHMSA Regulations on the transmission and storage of renewable energy sources (including ammonia and hydrogen)

Defense

  • A strong national defense is critical to America’s continued security and safety. Every day, our nation faces unique and unpredictable challenges. Preparedness is not an option, it’s a necessity. The Department of Defense (DoD) supports programs that guarantee readiness at a moment’s notice.
  • Corrosion of military equipment is a major concern to DoD policymakers and the U.S. Congress. Not only does corrosion cost the DoD $20 billion annually, but it also threatens critical response time. In fact, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes, “Corrosion can affect military readiness by taking critical weapon systems out of action and creating safety hazards.” To combat this challenge, the DoD created the Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight (CPO) in 2003.
  • The CPO is tasked with providing oversight and coordination of corrosion control and prevention efforts for the department. In addition to strategy and coordination, the CPO funds training for servicemembers to protect DoD assets. The CPO is instrumental in preventing corrosion, and CPO projects have consistently demonstrated a high return-on-investment. To build on this progress, it’s essential that the DoD and Congress continue funding the CPO at adequate levels.

Energy

  • By investing in various forms of energy and expanding domestic production and transmission, the United States is making significant strides in energy independence and energy diversity. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in 2019 “U.S. energy exports were greater than total energy imports, and the U.S. became a net total energy exporter for the first time since 1952.”
  • To continue this path and ensure energy independence and security, policymakers must support a diversified approach encompassing several forms of energy – including nuclear, solar, clean coal, oil shale, hydropower, oil and natural gas, and renewable energy. Energy is vital to daily life, and we must ensure people’s access to energy is protected.
  • Corrosion is a primary threat to energy production and transmission. Unmitigated corrosion endangers safe and productive use of s pipelines, oil refineries, nuclear facilities, energy exploration, on and offshore windmills, and solar collection systems. Corrosion planning and maintenance are the cornerstone to asset integrity and resource protection, and policymakers must enact policies that fortify and build on this foundation. By focusing on sustainability, training, and safety, we ensure the longevity of American energy.

Environment

  • Protecting the environment is a fundamental mission to AMPP and AMPP members worldwide. Environmental protection is a central platform for all AMPP curriculums and training programs. Structures that prematurely fail have hazardous effects on the environment and are typically disposed of instead of being reconditioned, creating greater waste and necessitating more landfills.
  • There are several ways to protect the environment – including the selection of materials, the application of coatings, and the installation of cathodic protection systems. AMPP members design, implement, and maintain the most effective plans to protect structures and their surrounding environments. We apply our education, training, and experience to utilize the tools that best answer the challenges before us. We advocate to ensure these principles remain the cornerstone of environmental policies.
  • The CPO is tasked with providing oversight and coordination of corrosion control and prevention efforts for the department. In addition to strategy and coordination, the CPO funds training for servicemembers to protect DoD assets. The CPO is instrumental in preventing corrosion, and CPO projects have consistently demonstrated a high return-on-investment. To build on this progress, it’s essential that the DoD and Congress continue funding the CPO at adequate levels.

Maritime

  • An efficient and resilient Marine Transportation System (MTS) is critical to US national and economic security. Waterborne cargo and the associated activity contribute to nearly 3% of the US GDP and sustain over 10 million jobs. The associated MTS infrastructure, including the commercial and public vessels that use it, is at high risk for corrosion-related failure throughout its service life. Therefore, a safe and lasting MTS relies on materials that are protected against the decay and deterioration caused by corrosion and personnel with sufficient skills to make the right decisions in a timely manner. The use of the MTS is only going to increase and the utilization of assets past designed lifespans will only continue to grow.
  • The DoD, Department of Transportation (DoT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Interior (DoI) funding for maritime infrastructure grants and new infrastructure development, asset maintenance and repair, and personnel competencies must be developed and awarded with a total-cost-of-ownership approach, considering the impact of corrosion and the utilization of robust protective measures from the start

The preservation of monuments and historic works

  • America’s monuments, memorials, parks, and museums tell the American story and embody the essence of national pride and the American dream. They honor the sacrifice and virtues of the citizens and ideas that shaped our nation. To honor and maintain these important works for future generations, Congress must invest in protective measures which ensure preservation and longevity.
  • AMPP Members are committed to working with Congress, the National Parks Service, and curators across the country to develop corrosion control programs to preserve these national treasures. Our members have the expertise, experience, and knowledge to ensure that monuments and historic works are protected and that their beauty and meaning is retained for future generations.

Tax reform and small business issues

  • America’s tax system is outdated and needs repair. While Congress passed sweeping legislation in 2018, additional measures can incentivize asset management and foster innovation. It is time for Members of Congress in both political parties to work together to enact a tax code that broadens the tax base, strengthens our economy, and promotes competitiveness throughout the world. Reforming the tax code will provide certainty and clarity for the future and promote investments and expansion.
  • In addition to broad reform, Congress must also focus on policies that promote small businesses. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are over 30 million small businesses across the U.S., and small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses. Almost half of America’s workforce is employed by a small business, and small businesses provide 60% of net new jobs each year. It is essential for Congress to support these trends by supporting a fair tax code and access to capital. These policies are especially important during the Covid-19 crisis, which has caused dramatic losses to the American workforce and businesses.

Transportation and infrastructure

  • Corrosion is a primary cause of the deterioration of roads, bridges and other structures that are crucial to everyday life. According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), there are 185 million daily crossings on nearly 56,000 bridges in the United States that are considered “structurally deficient.” The state of our infrastructure is so poor, in fact, that the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) grades our overall infrastructure a D+. ASCE estimates there is a current $2 trillion investment gap over the next 10 years. This is simply the cost to get our infrastructure where it should be, not to prepare for a sustainable future.
  • Comprehensive infrastructure legislation must emphasize corrosion control plans – including cathodic protection systems, high performance coatings, and materials selection – and the need for qualified personnel. Protecting bridges from corrosion will increase public safety and reduce the long-term cost of repairs. Additionally, investments in bridge maintenance will create and sustain thousands of good-paying jobs that can’t be exported.
  • Congress made a historic step with passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA); however, policymakers must ensure this investment is protected from the adverse effects of corrosion. We encourage Congress to reintroduce and pass the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act.

Veterans

  • America’s veterans have made the greatest sacrifice on behalf of our nation to protect and advance the notion of freedom throughout the world. Unfortunately, too many veterans are unable to find long-term employment in today’s economy. We must make improvements and invest in those who have invested in us.
  • Veterans deserve access to the best opportunities available. America’s veterans have unique skills, discipline and dedication which can be beneficial in all sectors. Congress holds the keys to adopt policies to ensure all veterans have access to good-paying jobs and the best training possible. To be successful these efforts must include opportunities in career and technical education.
  • AMPP supports programs that help veterans and their families with job training and placement assistance within the corrosion industry. We work with lawmakers and the DoD to improve and increase these efforts.

Water and wastewater

  • Water is our most precious resource, and it’s often taken for granted until it’s too late. Most of America’s water infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life. There are more than 155,000 public water systems, and, nearly half of these systems are in poor condition or have exceeded their designed life span. ASCE estimates that there are 240,000 water main breaks each year in the United States. Additionally, a New York Times article in 2010 estimates that “a significant water line bursts on average every two minutes somewhere in the country.”
  • Policymakers must reinvest in water infrastructure to ensure tragedies like Flint, Michigan never happen again. Sadly, a report published by USA Today noted that at least 2,000 water systems spanning across all 50 states have tested positive for excessive levels of lead contamination within the past four years, including 350 systems that supplied drinking water to schools or day care facilities.
  • These reports capture the problems and challenges we face; however, investing billions of dollars into updating infrastructure is only part of the solution. Any investment should emphasize corrosion management systems and - to counter what happened in Flint - the use of trained professionals to ensure corrosion control technology is properly installed and maintained. By following these principles, we improve public safety and save billions of dollars annually by extending the useful life of assets.

Workforce development

  • The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is having severe consequences for America’s economy and workforce. With unemployment remaining at astonishingly high-levels, Congress must support efforts to help American businesses and workers. Legislation should provide businesses with access to loan and grant programs, and workers with access to job-assistance programs and benefits. This investment is essential for our economy to stabilize and rebound.
  • As we recover from the crisis, there should be a renewed focus on increased education and training. It’s clear, when Americans have access to more education and training, they have a higher chance of finding a good-paying job and building a long-lasting career. Increased education and skills lead to more opportunities, and that education does not need to come at a high price. In addition to four-year degrees, policymakers should increase opportunities for career and technical education.
  • Over the past several years, technical skills careers are rapidly increasing. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), there are “about 30 million ‘good jobs’ that pay a median income of $55,000 or more and require education below a bachelor’s degree.” Additionally, ACTE notes that “89% of manufacturers face talent shortages.” These statistics present a huge opportunity for Americans looking for new careers.
  • Opportunities in the corrosion industry remain high and are increasing. There are over 50,000 active NACE certifications worldwide, and demand for corrosion-certified professionals is rapidly growing. In most cases, an AMPP certification means more job opportunities with the possibility of career