Advocacy

CLFP Policy Positions

SAFETY REGULATIONS

CLFP believes keeping consumers safe is the top priority. Whether ensuring that employees are well-trained in food safety to preventing food-borne illness or keeping processors informed about the implementation steps for the Food Safety Modernization Act, CLFP ensures that members can take the steps necessary to implement the highest safety standards through current science, information and informative workshops.

PROPOSITION 65/SENSIBLE FOOD LABELING REGULATIONS

Proposition 65 has become a haven for attorneys to file shake-down lawsuits against food processors and other businesses. CLFP supports reform of Prop. 65 through the use of sound science, appropriate risk management principles, and sensible and effective warning requirements.

ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY

Water is a critical input in the food processing supply chain and ongoing drought conditions put increased pressure on limited supplies. Food processors are doing their part to conserve water, and CLFP is working with the industry to develop and implement a wide range of best practices. However, CLFP will oppose mandatory water conservation measures that conflict with good manufacturing practices and the production of a safe food supply.

AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

The NoX air emissions standards for boilers, dryers, process heaters, cookers and other combustion equipment are a key compliance issue for many food processors. CLFP continues to work with the Air Resources Board and various air districts to advocate for compliance options that are both technologically feasible and economically viable.

CLIMATE CHANGE REGULATIONS

The greenhouse gas mitigation program promulgated by the California Air Resources Board is imposing substantial costs on food processors and virtually every other sector of the California economy. CLFP believes that environmental quality and economic development must be mutual goals for successful climate change policies. To achieve the emission reduction goals set forth in AB 32, regulators should adopt policies that are cost-effective and technologically feasible to ensure that California food processors remain globally competitive.

ENERGY RATES

CLFP is a founding member of Californians for Affordable & Reliable Energy, a broad coalition of business groups advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of state energy policy. Energy costs in California are among the highest in the nation and may increase significantly by 2020 due to the state’s electricity Renewable Portfolio Standard, the costs incurred by generators to comply with new greenhouse gas emissions regulations, and other factors.

LABOR & OSHA REGULATIONS

CLFP is part of a business coalition of employer organizations seeking fair and reasonable labor laws and regulations. CLFP believes that state labor laws and workplace safety requirements must be fair, reasonable and competitive. Operating costs incurred by California food processors continue to increase due to regulatory burdens. Government-mandated increases in the wage structure, protected employee classes, private right of actions against employers, and overly burdensome regulations add to the challenge of remaining economically viable in California.