While many sustainable measures—such as obtaining certification for your product, plant, or project—are voluntary, growing numbers of national, state/province, and local government agencies are establishing mandatory requirements. Following are resources to help you comply with some of the regulations affecting the retail environments industry. (This page lists resources only. For news on legislative and regulatory activity, please visit our green news page.)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM). Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the measure will regulate formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products (particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood) sold in California or used to make finished goods offered for sale in the state. All products containing composite wood products such as store fixtures must comply with the new regulation.

CARB Composite Wood ATCM CARB’s ATCM compliance information and resources.

CARB Rule Composite Panel Association information and resources on CARB's ATCM.

Countdown to CARB Resources by Timber Products Company and SierraPine.

NEW!: CARB Compliance An A.R.E. University webinar on the implications of the new California formaldehyde rule for fabricators, distributors, and importers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is studying the possible risks of formaldehyde emissions from pressed-wood products and is soliciting public comment. The agency will determine whether any federal regulation is needed based on its risk assessment.

Formaldehyde Emissions From Pressed Wood Products The agency's announcement in the Federal Register of its investigation into formaldehyde in pressed wood products.

Submit a comment to EPA Deadline: Feb. 2, 2009.

Attend a public meeting to provide input to EPA:

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Environmental Protection Agency Main Campus Auditorium (C111B/C) 109 TW Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.	State Public Health Building 800 N.E. Oregon St., Room 1B Portland, OR 97232
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.	Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building, Room 328 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604
Monday, Jan. 26, 2009 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Environmental Protection Agency 1445 Ross Ave., 12th Floor Dallas,Texas 75202
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Environmental Protection Agency EPA East, Room 1153 1201 Constitution Ave. Washington, DC 20460

In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission regulates marketing claims, including environmental or "green" marketing claims. The agency can bring law enforcement claims against companies that make false or misleading claims. The agency is expected to update its "Green Guides" in 2009.

Complying with the Environmental Marketing Guides The FTC staff's view of the law's requirements.

Environmental Marketing Claims General info about the FTC's enforcement of green marketing claims.

Making Environmental Marketing Claims on Mail An FTC fact sheet for businesses.

Sorting Out 'Green' Advertising Claims An FTC fact sheet for consumers.

Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center Information and resources on green building compliance within the U.S., including a state resource locator.

Government Resources USGBC resources including a list of city, county, state, and federal legislative and regulatory action.

New amendments to the Lacey Act requires wood shipments entering the U.S. to include documentation of the wood’s species and origin. Intended to stem the influx of wood sourced illegally overseas, the amendment bans the import, sale, or trade of illegally harvested wood and forest products. It was scheduled to take effect Dec. 15, 2008, but enforcement may be delayed due to pressure on Congress by importers.

Background Information: The Lacey Act Amendments in the Farm Bill Information about the new measures from the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America.