Biden's Latest Climate Rules Crack Down on Manufacturing, Ignoring Industry Warnings of Economic Devastation
The Biden administration has finalized regulations that tighten restrictions on fine particulate matter emissions from the manufacturing and energy sectors, despite concerns from industry about the economic consequences. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the regulations, which lower the annual PM2.5 standard from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter, citing health benefits for Americans nationwide. However, industry associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and American Petroleum Institute, warn that the regulations could lead to onerous permitting requirements that would impact economic growth and job security. The regulations will make the U.S. PM2.5 standards among the strictest in the world.
Biden Administration's Tightened Regulations on Fine Particulate Matter
The Biden administration has finalized regulations that tighten restrictions on fine particulate matter emissions from the manufacturing and energy sectors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the regulations, which lower the annual PM2.5 standard from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. The regulations aim to have health benefits for Americans nationwide.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated that the regulations are a critical step forward in protecting workers, families, and communities from the dangerous impacts of fine particle pollution. Soot pollution, which is a form of PM2.5, is linked to serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including asthma and heart attacks.
Industry Concerns and Economic Consequences
Industry associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and American Petroleum Institute (API), have expressed concerns about the economic consequences of the tightened regulations. They warn that the regulations could lead to onerous permitting requirements that would freeze manufacturing and supply chain investments.
A study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by NAM found that more restrictive PM2.5 regulations could threaten economic activity and put current jobs at risk. The industry argues that compliance with the new standard will be difficult, as the majority of emissions come from non-industrial sources such as wildfires and road dust.
U.S. PM2.5 Standards Among the Strictest in the World
The regulations will make the U.S. PM2.5 standards among the strictest in the world. While countries like Australia and Canada have lower annual standards, Japan, the U.K., and the European Union have higher standards than the U.S. China and India have even higher standards. Industry representatives argue that the U.S. should focus on reducing non-industrial emissions rather than imposing stricter regulations on the manufacturing sector.
API Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman criticized the Biden administration's policy actions, stating that they prioritize foreign energy and manufacturing over American jobs, manufacturing, and national security. The industry will review the final standard and consider all their options.
