December 21, 2012

Wyden Statement on EPA boiler rule

Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement after the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution control standards for industrial boilers and incinerators:

“Today’s boiler rule by the Environmental Protection Agency represents a good balance. It spells out to employers the steps they will need to take to upgrade their boilers, while also taking a measurable step forward in protecting the health of people and the environment. EPA estimates the new standards will prevent more than 8,000 premature deaths, providing major health benefits to those most at risk from harmful air pollutants. At the same time, EPA has moved a long way towards addressing industry’s concerns that the regulations can actually be implemented without sacrificing jobs and economic competitiveness.

I’m especially encouraged by actions the agency has taken to give flexibility to paper mills and biomass energy facilities that would have been hit hard by earlier versions of the rule. Administrator Jackson has assured me the agency will continue to work with industry to ensure companies will have enough time to bring their mills and factories into compliance.”

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