ABI Statement on EPA’s New PM2.5 Air Quality Rule
February 7, 2024 | Download PDF
The announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcing a reduction in the air quality standards for particulate matter from 12 micrograms to 9 micrograms is disappointing. The proposed rule, Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter, will add to the already high cost of regulatory compliance for Iowa manufacturers and could slow implementation of capital investments in the state.
According to the EPA, the majority of PM2.5 emissions in the U.S. comes from nonpoint sources—including road dust and fires. Yet once again, the burden of compliance will fall heavily on domestic industry, resulting in unintended consequences and ignoring the fact that American manufacturers invest millions in state-of-the-art technology to continue the historic reductions in emissions.
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) joins manufacturers and organizations across the U.S. in opposition to the new standard.
“A thriving Iowa economy is dependent on a robust manufacturing industry and this proposed rule threatens to stymie the technological and job gains made in recent years,” stated Nicole Crain, ABI’s Executive Vice President.
According to the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University, Iowa manufacturers contribute more than $38 billion to the state’s economy and employ 225,000 Iowans.
“Iowans and the Iowa economy are resilient. However, this is yet another regulatory headwind we are faced with in rural America that endangers our ability to compete globally. We strongly urge the EPA to reconsider this rule,” Crain added.