RE: Welcome - July 17, 2001

[Marci Kinter <marcik@sgia.org>]

I would like to respond to Rebecca's question as to how to obtain
more input from small businesses regarding permitting and
regulatory changes.

First, the US EPA needs to effectively determine the impacted
audience.  While impacted by federal rules to a small extent, the
majority of small businesses experience more interaction at the
state and local level.  The industry segment which I represent,
screen printing, is an excellent example.

There is also the disparity between how the Agency defines a
small business.  If the SBA defintion is used, it is 500
employees, a large company in our world.  We consider a small
business one with 15 or fewer employees.  Defining the impacts of
a federal policy or regulation on a business with 500 employees
is a bit different than a business with 15 employees.

And, to be honest, for federal policy interaction, the small
business community looks towards it national trade association to
provide that representation.  We are in the unique position to
work with our consitutency to provide input as to the impact of
federal rules and policies.

The Agency does a good job of reaching out to those trade
associations representing small businesses when outreach
opportunities are available, or when voluntary programs are
available, and we appreciate the contact.  But, the program
offices would also benefit by contacting these same small
business organizations when their regulatory actions might have
an impact.