Merkley: EPA Guidelines Protect Clean Air and Water, Support Oregon's Growing Biomass Industry

Statement

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's announcement of emissions standards for industrial boilers:

"The EPA's decision is a win for public health, clean air, and the future of the biomass industry in Oregon. Over the past year, I have spoken at length with EPA Secretary Lisa Jackson and her staff about the economic and environmental benefits of biomass energy production. Today marks the second time in a month that the EPA has responded with positive regulatory decisions that will make the air our children breathe cleaner while supporting a critical part of rural Oregon's economic future.

"In this case, members of the business community shared information with EPA showing that the standards they first proposed couldn't be met technically, and the EPA responded by modifying their proposal. The result is a set of common-sense standards that will reduce toxic air pollution and protect children's health, using standards that should be more practical for business owners."

Source