Portman Statement On EPA Regulations Delay

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delayed the implementation of new toxic emission regulations on large industrial boilers.

"I am pleased to see that the EPA has decided to rethink their proposal for new standards for industrial boilers following significant public feedback, but I believe that legislation may still be necessary to provide a permanent fix to the issue. If the agency does not start balancing its environmental objectives with economic realities, uncertainty over future regulations will continue to keep American businesses on the sidelines. At a time when Ohio's economy is struggling to recover and create much-needed jobs, implementing a set of burdensome regulations that cost manufacturers billions of dollars to comply threatens Ohio jobs," said Portman, who sent a bipartisan letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson in February expressing concerns about new MACT standards.

Last year the council for Industrial Boiler Owners estimated that nationally the proposal would cost the industry $20 billion and up to 300,000 jobs. There are a total of 84 boilers across all industries in the State of Ohio and it is estimated that it would cost millions to bring the boilers into compliance. Portman visited two Ohio paper companies, xpedx in Clermont County and Glatfelter in Ross County, both of which would be affected by the MACT standards.

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