In a recent announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed plans to revise federal regulations that have been deemed restrictive to manufacturing growth in the United States. This move follows advocacy efforts led by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons commented on the development, stating, "President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have answered the calls of manufacturers across the country to rebalance and reconsider burdensome federal regulations harming America’s ability to compete—including the previous administration’s unworkable PM2.5 NAAQS rule."
The announcement comes after NAM and over 100 manufacturing associations sent a letter to President Trump in December, highlighting regulatory actions needed to curb what they describe as a regulatory onslaught costing manufacturers $350 billion annually. The EPA's decision includes reconsidering the 2024 PM2.5 rule, which Timmons described as "an unrealistic and unworkable rule that will result in significantly diminished manufacturing investment and job creation."
The NAM had previously warned about potential economic impacts from tightened PM2.5 regulations under the Biden administration, predicting losses of up to $200 billion in economic activity and nearly one million jobs. The organization took legal action by asking the D.C. Circuit to vacate the rule.
Additionally, the EPA plans to review other regulations related to air quality and chemicals, aiming for adjustments that could promote manufacturing growth and job creation. Timmons expressed optimism about collaborating with the EPA: "Manufacturers will continue to partner with the EPA to rebalance the regulatory framework."
The announcement also addresses several specific regulatory areas outlined by NAM, including vehicle regulations and power plant rules.
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