Small businesses and manufacturers are slamming the Biden regime for its federal environmental regulations that target certain chemicals, warning of the potential impact on the economy.
The regulations, introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April, seek to ban most uses of methylene chloride (MCL), a chemical commonly found in adhesives, paints, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and more, Fox News Digital reports.
The EPA has proposed emission standards that are COMPLETELY out of touch with Americans. Watch my exchange with the Director below: pic.twitter.com/hQCjANL8ae
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) June 28, 2023
While the EPA argues that the chemical poses serious health risks, exemptions have been made for military and processing uses.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan defended the proposed rules, stating, “The science on methylene chloride is clear, exposure can lead to severe health impacts and even death, a reality for far too many families who have lost loved ones due to acute poisoning.” He emphasized the need for action to protect workers and reduce exposure to the chemical.
The "experts" President Biden has placed in charge of our country's energy and national security at DOE, DHS, EPA, and the FBI can't even answer basic questions related to their areas of expertise. Americans deserve better. pic.twitter.com/LTMHTqks0R
— Rep. August Pfluger (@RepPfluger) June 28, 2023
Since the introduction of the regulations, the EPA has received numerous comments from the public, including strong opposition from industry groups. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the American Petroleum Institute, and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) have expressed concerns about the potential detrimental impact of the regulations on the economy.
The OMA, in its comment letter, acknowledges the EPA’s intention to restrict the use of methylene chloride to protect the general public and consumers who may not be aware of the necessary precautions.
The association argues that the proposed rule goes beyond the EPA’s statutory authority, encroaching on the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in regulating workplace safety. The OMA calls for exemptions for commercial and industrial sectors already regulated by OSHA.
The NFIB, as the largest small business group in the United States, argues that the regulations could have severe economic consequences, leading to business closures and job losses.
The group questions the EPA’s determination of health impacts, stating that there is no viable alternative to MCL and that the EPA failed to adequately study the impact on the national economy.
Charles Paint Research, a Missouri-based chemical formulator, highlights the potential impact on its products, which comprise 70% MCL-based chemical formulations.
The company states that the regulations could seriously threaten its future and that of its clients.
All Americans should have access to reliable, available, and functional cars.
Biden’s EPA is trying to implement rules despite what consumers want, what consumers can afford, and what is even possible for the auto industry.
This rule is a disaster and must be reversed. pic.twitter.com/5osVCsEjr5
— Rep. Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) June 28, 2023
Olin, the world’s largest manufacturer of chlorine and chlorine derivatives, criticizes the EPA’s proposed rule for imposing arbitrary bans on essential industrial use cases while exempting politically favored industries.
The company warns of the damage it could cause to the national economy and expresses concerns about increased reliance on China for end products that could be manufactured domestically.
