Oil prices that recently hit their highest price levels in two years have sent a wave of price-hike moves through downstream markets, including resins and other raw materials used in coatings.
A Massachusetts state representative has filed legislation that would impose a 5% tax on the sale of paint to provide funding for a newly created "Lead Paint Abatement Assistance Fund," the NPCA reported.
The EPA formally issued major changes to clean air rules for utilities, refineries and manufacturers in an action supported by industry groups including the NPCA.
The Solvay Group announced the launch of a new company as a result of the integration of its fluoropolymers activities with those of Ausimont, which was acquired by Solvay in May of 2002.
The NPCA issued a special alert advising coatings manufacturers about potential new requirements involving lead-dust exposure surface-preparation labeling and consumer-education programs as part of an initiative announced in October 2002 by a group of 27 state attorneys general.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District's re-adoption of stringent VOC-content limits on a number of architectural and industrial maintenance coatings categories was quickly met with a new court challenge from the NPCA.
RadTech International North America's Automotive Focus Group announced the launch of a team to promote potential uses of UV-cure technology in the automotive-refinish industry.