Manufacturers: EPA’s Proposed Particulate Matter Standards Have Economy-Wide Impact

Washington, D.C., 06/15/12 -  National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons issued this statement on proposed new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today:

“The scope and damaging impact the EPA’s new standard will have on manufacturers across the country, both large and small, is troubling. Essentially this standard will result in strict regulations on any kind of existing facility, while restricting new permit requirements for the development of new facilities. This standard will also place certain counties in a ‘penalty box’ and make them less attractive to new business.

Simply put, new facilities won’t be built unless others are shut down to meet the EPA’s standard. The end result will have a devastating impact on our economy and job creation when we already face 8.2 percent unemployment.

Manufacturers want to see the EPA include the existing standard in its range of options. Manufacturers simply can’t afford this new standard at a time when we are being asked to create jobs and grow the economy. With an economy that is stalling, more rigorous regulations are not the answer.”