AF&PA says EPA’s reconsideration of Boiler MACT, Incinerator, and Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials Rules ‘an important step’

WASHINGTON DC, Dec. 2, 2011 (Press Release) - American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman today issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) release of their most recent proposed Boiler MACT, Incinerator (CISWI), and Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials (NHSM) rules.

"The Boiler MACT rules are among the most complex MACT standards developed. We are committed to thoroughly reviewing the changes put forth by EPA today to assess the affordability and achievability of the proposal. We appreciate EPA undertaking the reconsideration process for these rules.

"EPA's reconsideration is an important step toward writing a more reasonable set of regulations after being forced by the courts to finalize rules in March, which the agency itself recognized as flawed. Our nation's economy needs regulations that protect the environment while sustaining American manufacturing jobs.

"Unfortunately, these rules remain open to challenge in the courts, which has prolonged the process by years already; this creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that prevents investment and thwarts American manufacturing competitiveness.

"We support legislation passed by the House of Representatives in October and legislation currently pending in the Senate that would help to ensure that businesses, hospitals and universities have adequate time to implement new final rules that are affordable and achievable."