Opponents React to EPA Proposals

Indiana Manufacturers Association Chief Executive Officer Pat Kiely says potential new emission standards from the Environmental Protection Agency may “very well shut down” the state's upswing in manufacturing. Governor Mike Pence has issued a statement saying the regulations would increase electricity costs “at a time when our economy can least afford it.”

Indianapolis, Ind. and Washington, D.C. — National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons and Indiana Manufacturers Association President and CEO Patrick J. Kiely issued the following statements on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new power plants:

Indiana Manufacturers Association President and CEO Patrick J. Kiely:

“Just as Indiana manufacturing has begun a much-anticipated upswing, the EPA’s proposed carbon emissions regulations for new power plants will create a man-made energy crisis that may very well shut down our Hoosier manufacturing revival and create a domino-effect of hardship for all Hoosiers.

“Today, about 75 percent of Indiana's electricity is generated from coal. Coal is undeniably an important part of Indiana's energy mix. For manufacturing to continue to thrive in Indiana, manufacturers need affordable energy to compete. Coal provides an abundant and affordable way to fuel that energy. With this proposed rule, which is much more stringent than necessary, the Obama Administration is clearly waging a 'War on Coal.'”

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons:

“If energy has been the one bright spot in the U.S. economy, then the regulations unveiled by the EPA aim to dim it and jeopardize our gains. In this latest overreach, the EPA is regulating greenhouse gases under a statute never designed for this purpose. Maybe that’s the mandate from above. The president made clear in his Climate Action Plan that he does not believe in an “all-of-the-above” energy policy. He believes the only way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to eliminate fossil fuels from our economy, and the regulations proposed by EPA today further this misguided vision.

“Manufacturers ultimately will be hit twice by EPA's greenhouse gas regulations, both as users of the energy being regulated and as industries considered 'next in line' to receive similar regulations from EPA for their own plants. The decisions the EPA makes in these regulations—such as mandating technologies that are not yet commercially feasible—will have far-reaching consequences not only on our energy supply but also on the operations of all manufacturers. Manufacturers call on Congress to set firm limitations on how the agency uses the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases. The NAM and the Indiana Manufacturers Association believe that piling on with more costly regulations are not the answer.”

Formed in 1901, the Indiana Manufacturers Association is the second oldest manufacturers association in the country and the only trade association in Indiana that exclusively focuses on manufacturing. The Indiana Manufacturers Association, representing more than 1,400 companies, is dedicated to advocating for a business climate that creates, protects and promotes quality manufacturing jobs in Indiana. The staff of the Indiana Manufacturers Association has more than 140 years of combined governmental affairs experience and are recognized experts in many areas including tax, environment, labor relations, human resources and healthcare.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 12 million men and women, contributes more than $1.8 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Source: National Association of Manufacturers

Indianapolis–On September 20, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its proposed rules that will limit the amount of carbon dioxide that new power plants can emit. In response, Indiana Governor Mike Pence said,

“As I had informed President Obama in the past, I believe that our nation is best served by an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy that incorporates all forms of energy. We need our wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal resources to power our economy and provide the quality of life Hoosiers and other Americans are accustomed to experiencing.”

Governor Pence also said, “Unfortunately, the rules the EPA announced today and the contemplated carbon dioxide emissions rules for existing power plants, expected to be released in June of 2014, will constrain any potential for an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy and harm our economy in the process.”

“These regulations will drive up the cost of electricity at a time when our economy can least afford it. In addition, the higher cost of electricity will disproportionately affect low and fixed-income Hoosiers. Manufacturing states, like Indiana, will feel the brunt the greatest as our industrial sectors put more of their revenue toward their electricity bill and less toward putting more Hoosiers to work.”

“I believe that we can find a better way to protect not only the health of our environment, but the health of our economy and our position in the global marketplace as well, and my administration will continue to advocate for common-sense, science-based solutions that promote job creation and economic growth.”

Indianapolis–On September 20, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its proposed rules that will limit the amount of carbon dioxide that new power plants can emit. In response, Indiana Governor Mike Pence said,

“As I had informed President Obama in the past, I believe that our nation is best served by an 'all of the above' energy strategy that incorporates all forms of energy. We need our wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal resources to power our economy and provide the quality of life Hoosiers and other Americans are accustomed to experiencing.”

Governor Pence also said, “Unfortunately, the rules the EPA announced today and the contemplated carbon dioxide emissions rules for existing power plants, expected to be released in June of 2014, will constrain any potential for an 'all of the above' energy strategy and harm our economy in the process.”

“These regulations will drive up the cost of electricity at a time when our economy can least afford it. In addition, the higher cost of electricity will disproportionately affect low and fixed-income Hoosiers. Manufacturing states, like Indiana, will feel the brunt the greatest as our industrial sectors put more of their revenue toward their electricity bill and less toward putting more Hoosiers to work.”

“I believe that we can find a better way to protect not only the health of our environment, but the health of our economy and our position in the global marketplace as well, and my administration will continue to advocate for common-sense, science-based solutions that promote job creation and economic growth.”

Source: Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence