Manufacturers have been warning about the consequences and the impact of the EPAs overreaching agenda on jobs. Todays announcement from Luminant, the largest power generator in Texas, that they will have to shut down facilities which will cost jobs as a result of the EPAs Cross-State Air Pollution Rule only further illustrates our what the NAM has been saying for several years now.

The Hill reports on the story:

Luminant, in a statement released Monday, said it will shut down two generating units at its Monticello power plant in order to meet requirements under EPAs Cross-Air Pollution rule, which would limit toxic air pollution that crosses state lines in Texas and 26 other states.

The units began operation in 1974 and 1975 respectively. The move will cut the companys generating capacity by 1,200 megawatts.

Under the EPA rules, Texas power companies are required to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from power plant smokestacks by Jan. 1, 2012.

At a time when we have unemployment over 9 percent and the economy is struggling to recover, regulations from the EPA such as the Cross-State Pollution Rule will only cost more jobs and discourage investment in our country.

This is troubling news for manufacturers as they need affordable access to all sources of energy to remain competitive and this rule combined with the EPAs Boiler MACT, Utility MACT, Cement MACT, and Coal Ash rules will drive up energy prices, putting more jobs at risk.