Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Industry leaders and associations representing rural America released statements following a letter led by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Western Caucus Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee, demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rescind its recently finalized rule for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

American Wood Council President & CEO Jackson Morrill: “EPA’s ruling on PM NAAQS is a perfect storm for permit gridlock. It will have a negative impact on the wood products industry nationwide and prevent our industry from continuing to reduce mill emissions, employing more Americans, and producing the carbon-storing and sustainable products critical to our economy. We applaud the Western Caucus’ attention to this issue and hope that the EPA will listen to their calls to rescind the rule so that we may work collaboratively toward a ruling which balances both public health and economic development.”

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock: “The evolving and uncertain regulatory burden is at odds with the goal of onshoring and modernizing U.S. manufacturing. AF&PA appreciated the opportunity to testify on the impacts of the PM NAAQS rule before the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, & Critical Materials and we support the Energy and Commerce Committee’s work to develop legislation that would greatly improve the NAAQS program and permitting process. The forest products industry has a long track record of investing in the modernization of our mills to further reduce emissions and support sustainable manufacturing operations. Recent rulemakings risk stopping these projects in their tracks, like the recent particulate matter standard, issued without a workable, real-world implementation strategy. It is imperative the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the White House and Congress strike a balance that achieves sustainable regulations while supporting American manufacturing.”

National Association of Manufacturers Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram: “Manufacturers thank the Western Caucus for their leadership in challenging the EPA’s harmful PM2.5 regulation. This rule is just the latest piece of the regulatory onslaught burdening manufacturers and creating permitting gridlock throughout the country. Congress must do everything they can to block this misguided rule which will limit manufacturing job creation and infrastructure growth.”

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Leslie Bellas: “EPA’s decision to lower the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standard to 9 μg/m3 will make it harder to invest in and build U.S. manufacturing and critical infrastructure, including at refineries, petrochemical facilities and throughout our midstream energy network. Companies looking to expand operations and investments here at home will be penalized by this new standard over ambient air conditions and externalities like wildfires that are largely outside of their control. During a critical time when we should be securing supply chains and growing American energy, energy infrastructure and manufacturing, this regulation does the opposite. It’s a barrier to U.S. manufacturing and innovation.”

Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council Chairman Matt Hall: “The EPA’s finalize rule on PM NAAQS 2.5 will completely impede our permitting process for upgrades in our facilities. The already struggling paper industry cannot afford to have such regulations imposed on it. This unnecessary rule standard will result in the closure of papermills and the offshoring of good paying American jobs.”

National Mining Association: “The EPA’s decision to significantly lower the current standards will have wide ranging negative implications well beyond the mining industry — impeding permitting for factories, energy and infrastructure projects. The ripple effects would be felt across our economy. Once again, this administration has proved to be unrelenting in advancing policy choices that will force would-be investment away from the U.S.”

Portland Cement Association: “The ability of cement manufacturers to provide the necessary construction materials for public and private infrastructure projects will be harmed by the revised standard. Cement manufacturers will have to curtail their production of cement to comply with this regulation. A reduction in cement production will lead to supply disruptions and impair the ability to construct wind & solar generation facilities, water treatment plants, sidewalks, bridges, highways, schools, hospitals, and roads. PCA estimates that lowering the annual PM2.5 standard to the finalized 9 μg/m3 will require $171.8 million in capital expenditures and $54.6 million in additional yearly operating expenses for U.S. cement producers. We applaud Members of Congress working to protect domestic manufacturing and job growth.”