NPRA Questions EPA's GHG Pocess
PRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NRPA) recently questioned the unilateral approach EPA staff members have taken in addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but supported the decision to seek more input from stakeholders and continue deliberation on what would have dramatic, negative implications for American consumers and businesses.
"We appreciate EPA's decision to seek further consultation and public comment on its proposal to address greenhouse gas emissions, but have serious concerns with the process in which this Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was promulgated, to say nothing of the extent to which EPA staff would apply the rules," NPRA President Charles T. Drevna said. "Consider what's at stake for American consumers and businesses, both large and small. Consider the implications for rushing to judgment on a decision that could ultimately cost millions of Americans their jobs by threatening energy supply and saddling domestic manufacturing with higher costs. Most importantly, consider the loss in global economic competitiveness by not acting within an international framework that includes developing nations.
"When it comes to establishing procedures for addressing greenhouse gas emissions, it's a matter of getting it right, not simply getting it done. All too often decisions made for the benefit of political expediency or an agenda result in adverse, unintended consequences for American consumers and employers. Other departments and agencies in the Administration are right to be concerned with EPA's approach, and hopefully their concerns, along with those of American consumers and businesses, will be considered and sufficiently addressed as EPA proceeds."
A joint letter signed by the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and Transportation states that "[a]pplying Clean Air Act regulations to U.S. businesses in order to address global climate change -- outside of any international framework that brings together all of the world's major economies, both developed and developing -- would simply export economic activity and emissions to less-regulated countries and might not generate any net reduction in worldwide GHG emissions."
The U.S. Department of Transportation also believes that "[i]f implemented, the actions that the draft contemplates would significantly increase energy and transportation costs for the American people and U.S. industry with no assurance that the regulations would materially affect global greenhouse gas atmospheric concentrations or emissions."