Last week, President Biden's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a standard on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that will have devastating consequences for American businesses and the livelihoods of millions of people.

The standard further tightens restrictions on how much fine particulate matter the manufacturing and energy sectors can emit. This is despite the fact the EPA itself admitted that the U.S. has decreased PM2.5 concentrations by 42% since 2000 while at the same time our gross domestic product increased by 52%. 

Studies show that nearly a million jobs and $200 billion in economic activity could be jeopardized as a result of the new PM2.5 standards. The EPA must reverse course on its harmful regulations that will make it nearly impossible to build or expand new manufacturing facilities in the United States. 

Don’t miss what people across the country are saying: 

Danny Seiden, CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce:

“If EPA continues to increase burdensome regulations and not provide solutions, all development could be halted.” 

Jason Giannelli, R&G Fanucchi and Old River Farming Company in Bakersfield, California:

“As our industry and community strive to recover, this air quality regulation couldn't come at a worse time for our families and community. In fact, a recent study published by the National Association of Manufacturers and Oxford Economics estimates that nearly $32 billion in economic activity and 120,000 jobs in California alone could be impacted by this specific proposed rule.”

Alec Messina, former Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director:

“EPA’s own analysis projects Cook County and several other parts of Illinois exceeding the PM2.5 limits contemplated in the proposed rule, setting the stage for arduous environmental assessments, project delays and the threat of withheld funding — and that’s just according to EPA’s sunny forecast.” 

[…] 

“Biden has embarked upon an aggressive legislative agenda with the stated goal of re-establishing American manufacturing might. Unfortunately, his own regulatory actions are at cross purposes with that objective.” 

Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs, Michigan Chamber of Commerce:

“They’re trying to go too fast, too quick.” 

[…] 

“The science and data are lacking from this rule, so it’s very concerning for Michigan manufacturers.” 

Michael Canty, President and CEO of Alloy Precision Technologies in Ohio:

“The Biden administration has talked a good game when it comes to spurring domestic manufacturing, especially here in Ohio. It’s too bad that the administration’s own Environmental Protection Agency is undermining these efforts and threatening to worsen the inflation and soaring costs that have hammered businesses and consumers across the state.”

[…]

“EPA’s own analysis shows numerous counties across Ohio already exceed the PM2.5 levels in the proposed rule. It doesn’t help that there are still parts of the country that are in nonattainment of the current standards. These communities in nonattainment face onerous regulations and increased permitting requirements, which grind construction projects and facility expansions to a halt and restrict federal highway and transit dollars, i.e., infrastructure projects.” 

Jezree Friend, Assistant Vice President, Manufacturers and Business Association in Pennsylvania:

“Overall, the regulations could make it extraordinarily difficult to create new manufacturing jobs and protect existing manufacturing jobs in areas out of attainment. The regulations could also prevent much needed infrastructure improvements in these areas.” 

Tony Bennett, President and CEO, Texas Association of Manufacturers:

“While PM2.5 concentrations in the U.S. have declined by over 40% since 2000, the EPA is ignoring this progress and lowering the boom on domestic industry, endangering some of the very projects the Biden administration has championed—from transit projects to semiconductor fabrication facilities.

“There’s no question that air quality is vital to our quality of life, and industries do—and will continue to—invest millions of dollars in innovative technologies that are successfully reducing environmental impacts. However, the EPA’s proposal to ratchet up the PM2.5 regulations is a misguided attempt to bolster their environmental bona fides doing little to benefit the environment while placing an undue burden on American manufacturers and threatening thousands of jobs and the goods every American relies on.” 

Steve Stolipher, President, Jefferson County Commission in West Virginia:

“The issue here is that, of course, I along with many other West Virginians agree that our air quality should be regulated within reason. But what I do not agree with is overly restrictive and onerous regulations that the EPA is considering as part of a new rulemaking process. These new particulate matter thresholds from the EPA fall into the latter category.” 

Gina Suydam, President, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce:

“Continued technological innovation and our members’ commitment to environmental stewardship indicate that additional reductions are on the horizon. 

“Unfortunately, EPA’s proposal would disrupt the win-win scenario that we have achieved in Pennsylvania by pushing significant parts of the state and the country into non-attainment with tightened standards. Non-attainment status poses a host of challenges including increased permitting hurdles and skyrocketing demand for compliance credits. This translates to higher costs for businesses and consumers.” 

TUNE IN at 10:00 AM tomorrow for our Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials legislative hearing for more about our solutions that appropriately balance protecting our environment while also ensuring America continues to maintain its economic leadership.