Now is not the time for new EPA rule

Now is not the time for new EPA rule

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry joins the National Association of Manufacturers in being deeply troubled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's continued overreach in an effort that could eventually result in EPA regulating everything from small factories to farms to schools to hospitals.

Fundamentally, this proposed regulation, known as the “tailoring rule,” takes the United States in the wrong direction by using the Clean Air Act to expand the power of the EPA and allow the agency to choose which energy sources U.S. consumers will use.

The EPA has set a short timetable for implementation, which no doubt will cost jobs and prevent manufacturers from growing their business. It will undermine the economic recovery.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has proposed moving forward with the rule. At a minimum, the DNR estimates the rule would require adding seven workers to the state's payroll, likely resulting in fee increases at a time that taxpayers are already under stress. In addition, the rule faces 90 legal challenges.

Now is not the time for this ill-considered proposal. Climate change is a complex issue that deserves transparent and rigorous debate. ABI urges Congress to ensure the rule does not move forward until all these issues have been addressed.

Mike Ralston

President

Iowa Association of Business and Industry