The National Association of Manufacturers and several business groups are calling on Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Minority Leader Hakeen Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to consider the impact the new Environmental Protection Agency ruling on PM2.5 will have on businesses.
PM2.5 refers to air particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.
The EPA in March lowered the standard for PM2.5 in its National Ambient Air Quality Standards rule by 25%, down from 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air to nine. NAM has sued to block the new standard.
EPA calls for steeper cut with a faster timeline
NAM has stressed that the EPA’s new ruling is far more restrictive than other countries, with the UK aiming to lower its standard to 10 micrograms by 2040.
“The new standard will also put the United States at a disadvantage by hurting our ability to compete on the world stage. Our global competitors have adopted standards that are less stringent than the EPA rule and are phased in over a much longer time frame,” a letter led by NAM says. “Congress must act to stop this harmful rule before it takes effect.”
Arizona job creators and legislative leaders weigh in
Last November, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council were part of a NAM-led coalition that argued against the EPA’s proposed rulemaking. In a letter Danny Seiden, president & CEO of the Arizona Chamber, remarked that wildfires supply a great deal of pollution to Arizona.
In a separate filing made in March, the Arizona Chamber, state Senate President Warren Petersen, and House Speaker Ben Toma are contesting the EPA ruling.
New standard will crimp growth
NAM insists the congressional leaders should consider the negative effects the ruling will have on businesses, arguing the more restrictive regulation will make it more challenging for states to issue permits for building new facilities or expanding existing factories.
NAM also argued that the ruling puts the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage globally since other nations are not lowering their standards at the same rate. The European Union is not lowering its standard to 10 micrograms until 2030, while China is retaining its 35 micrograms standard.
“Americans deserve a strong economy and a healthy environment. We urge Congress to pass a resolution of disapproval addressing the EPA’s actions as quickly as possible,” the letter says.