On Ozone, Balance Needed for Clean Air, Economic Impact

On Ozone, Balance Needed for Clean Air, Economic Impact 

(Washington, D.C.) – As part of the continued and aggressive regulation push by this Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new regulations that would require states to develop and implement plans for reducing ozone, which can cause smog. If ultimately adopted, it’s estimated that the new rules put in place by states would cost billions of dollars in the form of higher prices for energy, for manufacturing products, and potentially for gasoline. These proposed rules come at a time when states are still in the process of implementing new federal standards issued in 2008, and critics argue that in addition to the economic cost, it is wasteful and overly complicated to issue another new set of rules before the effects of the old ones are clear. 

Jorge Lima, Policy Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:  

“The American people are rightly concerned that our economy is suffering from the constant growth of government rules and regulations. Too many are still struggling through this recovery, living paycheck to paycheck, and the addition of new rules out of Washington only heighten their concerns of rising energy costs and the impact that will have on their household and business budgets.  Even President Obama has acknowledged that overregulation may be hurting the economy – but he still seems committed to going forward on a new mandate that could put many out of work. 

Instead of imposing yet another costly mandate without consulting Congress, the White House should reach out to leaders in the House and Senate on a way to protect the environment effectively, and without hurting working families. The president should focus on keeping energy costs down, rather than pushing through new regulations with no care for cost.  Independent, academic research casts doubt on the effectiveness of this proposal; there’s no reason to rush it through without a balanced debate.” 

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.

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