ACC Applauds Illinois House Passage of Resolution Encouraging Congress to Postpone EPA Regulation of GHGs From Stationary Sources

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Mar 18, 2010, 11:06 ET

Postponement Can Help Avoid Further Burdens on State Budgets, Fledgling Recovery

ARLINGTON, Va., March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday the Illinois House of Representatives passed a resolution (H.R. 933) sponsored by Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Sparta) encouraging "the Congress of the United States to adopt legislation that would postpone the USEPA's effort to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources using existing Clean Air Act authority until Congress adopts a balanced approach to address climate and energy supply issues without crippling the economy." The resolution was also delivered to members of the Illinois Congressional delegation.

American Chemistry Council (ACC) President and CEO Cal Dooley issued the following statement:

"We applaud the Illinois House for recognizing the significant burdens that stationary source regulation would place on already-stretched state budgets and agencies. At a time when the U.S. economy is facing one of the most significant recession in decades and states such as Illinois are trying mightily to add jobs, regulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from industrial facilities, power plants, restaurants, and other places of commerce – also known as 'stationary sources' – would only hinder recovery and job growth.

"State agencies tasked with implementing the regulations' permitting requirements simply do not have the resources to deal with the deluge of applications that would flood the system. Moreover, EPA has provided no guidance on 'Best Achievable Control Technologies (BACT)' that could be required under the permit program. The result will be regulatory confusion and a virtual construction freeze across Illinois and the nation. Small sources won't be able to proceed with new facilities or modifications until states adopt local 'tailoring rules' and litigation uncertainty is resolved, while large sources will likely have to wait years for their permits. Ironically, EPA's action could cause the delay or cancellation of many energy efficiency investments and stimulus-related projects – the very projects that the administration wants to expand to help aid recovery and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Time is short for Congress to act, since EPA has said it intends to finalize the rule for mobile sources – cars and light trucks – by March 31, leading to regulation of GHGs at as many as six million stationary sources. Congress and the Administration must act immediately to postpone EPA stationary source regulation that could have far-reaching consequences for economic recovery, job creation and energy efficiency.

Illinois' $30 billion chemical industry employs over 47,000 people at an average annual wage of $81,400. With over 700 manufacturing facilities producing chemical products, it's Illinois' third largest manufacturing sector and the states' #1 exporter."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $689 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council