Opinion: NAM comments on EPA plan to eliminate "one size fits all" emission policy
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Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Published : 04 May 2007 16:15
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 4, 2007 - In comments submitted today, the National Association of Manufacturers praised the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) plan to eliminate a "one-size-fits-all"
regulation for air emissions and urged the EPA "to continue efforts that will streamline the regulatory process in a manner that will benefit environmental quality and economic growth."
During current EPA rulemaking, regulators are addressing the so called "once-in, always-in" policy of applying Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT), the technology-based air emission standards, to facilities that aren't necessarily classified as major sources, therefore subjecting them to over-strict regulation.
"Eliminating this policy will enable industries to achieve identical environmental goals while allowing them the flexibility to choose the most efficient manner of achieving those options," said Bryan Brendle, NAM director of energy and resources policy. "Added flexibility will help manufacturers implement projects that increase energy efficiency, reduce the intensity of air emissions, and continue to improve the nation's air quality."
U.S. manufacturers' cost of complying with U.S. environmental regulations have grown 11.5 percent from 2000-2004, significantly higher compared to our other industrialized competitors that are often perceived of having more aggressive environmental protection policies.
The NAM's Escalating Cost Crisis study shows environmental compliance costs rising in France only 9 percent and Germany only 2.1 percent (from 2000-2002). Most Canadian manufacturers faced compliance cost growth of approximately 5-10 percent during the same period of time.
"The significant increases in compliance costs unnecessarily places U.S. manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage," added Brendle.
"Eliminating wasteful programs like 'once-in, always-in' will help ease that burden."
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