ACC Applauds Ohio Governor Letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Asking for Delay in GHG Regulation at Stationary Sources

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Mar 18, 2010, 06:54 ET

Postponement Can Help Avoid Further Burdens on Economic Recovery, Job Creation

ARLINGTON, Va., March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On March 15, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson regarding EPA's plans for addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from stationary sources under the authority of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Governor Strickland expressed concern that large numbers of stationary sources, such as generating plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities, will immediately be subjected to GHG permitting requirements -- including Best Available Control Technology (BACT) requirements -- when BACT technology is undetermined. He asked that permitting rules on large stationary sources of GHGs be deferred until commercially available BACT exists to meet CAA requirements. His letter also cited concerns about financial and economic impacts on Ohio as a result of EPA's planned regulatory path.

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

"We applaud Governor Strickland for weighing in with his concerns to EPA Administrator Jackson as to the significant challenges raised by EPA's planned stationary source regulations and the need for a deferral. We share his 'deep concerns' with EPA's impending regulations and 'the impact this approach will have on Ohio's economy and working families.' While the economy is struggling and Ohio and other states are trying mightily to add jobs, regulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from industrial facilities, power plants, restaurants, and other places of commerce would only hinder recovery and job creation.

"Like Governor Strickland, we are troubled that EPA guidance is lacking as to Best Available Control Technology (BACT) requirements associated with the permit program. We believe the result will be regulatory confusion and a virtual construction freeze across Ohio – one of America's manufacturing and technology leaders – and the nation. 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."

Jack Pounds, President of the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council, said, "We are grateful that Governor Strickland has once again taken a decisive stand for the needs of Ohioans to achieve a strong economy and a cleaner environment. He appreciates the role of the chemical industry in creating high-technology products and related jobs that are critical to Ohio's future economic health.

"Ohio's $24 billion chemical industry employs nearly 46,000 people at an average annual wage of $64,600, which is 24 percent higher than the average manufacturing wage. The industry indirectly contributes 155,943 jobs to the economy. For every chemistry industry job in Ohio, an additional 3.4 jobs are created within the state's economy."

Cal Dooley added, "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."

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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