Manufacturers Challenge EPA GHG Regulations to save jobs.

Press Release Summary:



Challenging EPA's decision to regulate GHG emissions from stationary sources through Clean Air Act, NAM and other business groups presented oral arguments before U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. Circuit. Coalition presented recommendation that would avoid EPA's self-described "absurd results" form its own approach and corresponding consequences for manufacturing. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said policies addressing climate change deserve full debate and should foster economic growth.



Original Press Release:



Manufacturing Sector Offers Job-Saving Solution in Challenge to EPA Greenhouse Gas Regulations



Business Coalition Urges Court to Adopt Approach to GHG Regulation That Protects Stationary Sources

Washington, D.C.-The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and other business groups today presented oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources through the Clean Air Act. Even the EPA described its approach as leading to "absurd results." The NAM Coalition presented a recommendation to the Court that would avoid these absurd results and the corresponding adverse consequences on manufacturing from the EPA's regulatory regime while enabling the agency to proceed to address emissions from automobiles.

"The EPA's decision to move forward with the regulation of greenhouse gases from stationary sources is one of the most costly, complex and far-reaching regulatory issues facing manufacturers and harms their ability to compete globally," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. "In an effort to reverse this harmful course and save desperately needed jobs, we presented the Court with a path forward to uphold the EPA's role based on congressional intent and protect the vast majority of stationary sources from these onerous regulations."

The EPA does not have the authority to regulate greenhouse gases from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act's permitting program without Congress amending the law. Specifically, the NAM Coalition today urged the court to reject the EPA's interpretation of the Clean Air Act that automatically triggers stationary source permitting requirements for greenhouse gases due merely to the regulation of automobiles. The EPA's construction of the "Prevention of Significant Deterioration" permitting program, which encompasses large stationary sources such as manufacturing facilities, is not permissible under the Clean Air Act. If the EPA is to continue moving forward with these regulations, it will add a costly burden and uncertainty to businesses of all sizes.

"Policies to address climate change deserve full debate in the U.S. Congress and should foster economic growth, not impose additional burdens on businesses," added Timmons.

The EPA's greenhouse gas regulations will eventually require new burdensome permitting requirements for more than 6 million stationary sources, including 200,000 manufacturing facilities, 37,000 farms and millions of other sources such as universities, schools, hospitals and even American homes--impacting every aspect of our economy.

The members of the coalition include: American Frozen Food Institute; American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers; American Petroleum Institute; Brick Industry Association; Copper & Brass Fabricators Council, Inc.; Corn Refiners Association; Glass Packaging Institute; Indiana Cast Metals Association; Independent Petroleum Association of America; Michigan Manufacturers Association; Mississippi Manufacturers Association; National Association of Home Builders; National Association of Manufacturers; NFIB Small Business Legal Center; National Oilseed Processors Association; North American Die Casting Association; Specialty Steel Industry of North America; Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Western States Petroleum Association; West Virginia Manufacturers Association; and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

-NAM-
The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

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