President Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently finalized an air quality rule that is causing concern within the manufacturing industry. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) warns that this regulation could potentially lead to the loss of one million jobs and hinder efforts to establish new manufacturing facilities in the United States.
In his upcoming state of manufacturing address, Jay Timmons, president and CEO of NAM, plans to highlight the potential negative impact of this regulation. While acknowledging President Biden’s support for manufacturing, Timmons criticizes the actions of federal agencies that are working to undermine the industry’s success. He specifically points to the recently announced National Ambient Air Quality Standards or PM2.5 regulation, which he claims could result in the loss of up to one million jobs.
Timmons emphasizes that this regulation is even stricter than those in Europe and argues that it will severely restrict the ability to build new manufacturing facilities in many parts of the country. The EPA proposed this regulation in January 2023 and released the final version on February 7th of this year. The rule tightens the air quality standard for fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, by lowering the limit from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan defends the rule, stating that it will save lives and improve the health of vulnerable communities. The EPA estimates that this revision could prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays, resulting in $46 billion in net health benefits in 2032.
However, Timmons argues that Michigan, a crucial swing state with a significant manufacturing base, will be particularly affected by this regulation. He warns that if new manufacturing investments decline, it will have a ripple effect on the state’s economy, impacting families, educators, and job seekers. Timmons also criticizes the idea that driving manufacturing investments away from the United States to countries with lower standards will solve global environmental challenges.
In addition to the PM2.5 regulation, Timmons highlights other threats faced by the manufacturing industry, including burdensome regulations, potential tax hikes, trade barriers, and geopolitical risks. Despite these challenges, Timmons remains optimistic about the industry’s potential for growth, particularly with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). He believes that AI could drive innovation, investment, and productivity, making the United States a global leader in manufacturing.
In conclusion, Timmons emphasizes that while the state of manufacturing in America remains strong and resilient, it is under threat from various factors. He urges policymakers to consider the potential consequences of regulations like PM2.5 and to create an environment that fosters growth and competitiveness within the manufacturing industry.
(Note: This article has been written in a conservative tone, as per the given instructions.)
