The proposed legislation would extend the deadline for implementation and enforcement of most Dodd-Frank Act reforms of trading in the derivatives markets, including commodity futures, options and swaps markets, from July 21, 2011 until Jan. 1, 2013.
“These reforms, once implemented, will bring greater transparency and stability to the commodity derivatives markets, including energy and agricultural futures, options and swaps markets,” the coalition said in a letter to key lawmakers on April 28.
The groups cited in their letter the recent explosion of speculative activity in the still mostly unregulated commodity futures markets, and correlated market volatility and price spikes, as reason to keep these reforms on-track, especially proposed limits on speculative trading.
“Further delay in the implementation and enforcement of these reforms could greatly diminish market competitiveness, stability and confidence, and will preserve today’s artificially high commodity prices caused by excessive speculation in the derivatives markets.”
The letter also expressed concern regarding a provision in the bill which could provide blank exemptions from new regulations for certain entities, which the coalition called “unwarranted.”
The coalition letterwas sent to both Republican and Democratic leaders in the House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees.
