WASHINGTON – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) submitted comments Monday to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voicing concern over proposed changes to the New Source Review (NSR) program.
During the current rulemaking, regulators are addressing record-keeping requirements to further streamline the current NSR program. “Doing so will enable industry and the Administration to provide real benefits to the environment and public health,” said NAM President John Engler. “Reducing red tape will expedite projects that increase energy efficiency, reduce the intensity of air emissions, and continue to improve the nation’s air quality.”
The comments submitted by the NAM urged the EPA “to continue efforts that will simplify the regulatory permitting process in a meaningful manner.”
Engler expressed concern over the frequency with which federal regulators attempt to revise NSR, and the subsequent legal disputes which not only delay regulations but also create business uncertainty.
“I think we’ve reached a point where NSR reform, as well as other programs under the Clean Air Act, should be handled through the legislative process,” Engler said. “Although we support the EPA’s attempts to modernize an outdated program, this latest proposal had its origins in the 2002 reforms which were subsequently litigated, then remanded back to federal regulators for further clarification.”
The full transcript of the submitted comments can be reviewed by clicking here.
