Posted on 12/21/2010 6:00:48 AM PST by EBH
The EPA and the Clean Air Act got a huge boost from large and small U.S. companies, when over 60,000 firms represented by 14 business organizations told Congress to keep the EPA and Clean Air Act strong.
At the same time, the groups expressed concerned that the EPA’s half-year delay of pending ozone (smog) rules will be costly to U.S. companies. The delay could result in higher health costs due to increased employee sick-day absenteeism and related medical costs borne entirely or partially by small and large U.S. companies.
The groups’ joint letter reads in part as follows: “… (S)mall business owners support some of the key strategies needed to reduce pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. A recent national poll of small business owners conducted by Small Business Majority found that 61 percent of respondents agree that moving the country to clean energy is a way to restart the economy and make their businesses more competitive in the global economy, and that 50 percent support comprehensive clean energy and climate policy. Larger businesses also support EPA’s authority under the Clean Air Act and understand that it has spurred innovation and economic value for the U.S.”
Christopher Van Atten, spokesperson for American Businesses for Clean Energy said, “The business case for a vigorous EPA enforcing well designed and efficient Clean Air Act rules is clear. We support policy measures that will create new economic opportunities and drive the transition to a clean energy economy. This includes support for the adoption of effective federal climate legislation, EPA regulation of GHG emissions, and regulation of NOx, SO2, mercury, and other hazardous air pollutants from power plants and industrial sources. Business leaders need long-term policies that will provide the foundation for economic growth and prosperity.
John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority said, “Our research confirms that small business owners support moving the country to clean energy. They understand the connection between a clean energy economy and small business growth. Our research also shows that the Clean Air Act’s economic benefits have been significant, and anything limiting the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases could negatively affect businesses small and large. In this economic climate, small businesses need all the help they can get to stay competitive in a global economy.”
Richard Eidlin, director of business engagement for the American Sustainable Business Council said, “The Clean Air Act provides lawmakers with an example of how responsible environmental measures can both foster new industries and send a clear market signal to investors and entrepreneurs that innovation and investment in the clean energy sector is good business. As owners, employees and investors in sustainable businesses, we urge Congress to uphold the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon emissions as authorized by the Clean Air Act.”
The 14 leading U.S. business groups joining together to support the Clean Air Act are:
* Small Business Majority * Main Street Alliance * American Businesses for Clean Energy * Businesses for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) * American Wind Energy Association * American Sustainable Business Council * Manhattan Chamber of Commerce * South Carolina Small Business Chamber * Women’s Business Development Center * Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility * Oregon Small Business for Responsible Leadership * The Center for Small Business and the Environment * New Voice of Business * Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
Together, the organizations include more than 60,000 firms, ranging from some of the nation’s largest companies to small Main Street retailers and other firms.
A report issued in October 2010 by Small Business Majority found that there are major economic benefits of the Clean Air Act. For example, in the last two decades, emissions of the most common air pollutants have declined by 41%, while Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased by more than 64%. The report also concluded that the Clean Air Act has spurred important technological innovations, such as catalytic converters, that have made the United States a world leader in the export of environmental export technologies. These exports grew by 130% between 1993 and 2003, and were valued at $30 billion in 2004.
In addition to indicating strong U.S. business support for the Clean Air Act and the EPA, the groups cautioned that the EPA’s recent decision to delay moving ahead with an ozone pollution rule by six months will come with a real price tag in terms of sick workers and family members, resulting in lost workdays, lower productivity, and other adverse bottom-line impacts for companies. According to the EPA, the new smog standards would “help prevent up to 12,000 premature deaths and 58,000 cases of aggravated asthma and save up to $100 billion in health care costs.”
http://www.americanbusinessforcleanenergy.org/en/member/listing
Hmmm, looks like a bunch of businesses that have something to lose if the gubmint doesn’t keep the clean air bill going.
I’m wondering if the 60,000 companies had agreed to that letter. I’m thinking no.
Then if they like it so much, then why don’t all of them do it on their own?
5247 businesses doesn’t sound like 60,000 to me.
What a total crock. Look carefully at the list of organizations.
Classic propaganda tactic find a tiny minority that supports something that the larger demographic oppose and pretend it is the opinion of the majority, i.e. Republicans for Obama.
You could put together a similar list of business organizations that want legislation to make it easy for unions to organize.
Regulation is a friend to larger businesses. They have the staff and resources to comply.
Regulation is a neat trick to keep the smallish, startup companies from starting to “feel their oats.” IOW, it’s a way to reduce competition.
Indeed they may be a member of said business group...but take a look at the 5,247 the publicly put their names up.
100% total Astroturf. Ginned-up support for the goobermint from business who have a pecuniary interest in draconian environmental dictates. FRiends, this is the new face of fascism.
I think we found the winner!
Its BS - look at the name of these supposed “business organizations.”
Hmmm, looks like a bunch of businesses that have something to lose if the gubmint doesn’t keep the clean air bill going.
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Yep...
60,000 companies that manufacture or market some “green” technology that could not possibly survive in the marketplace without Government force
Yep all green weenie companys with money to lose.
But the sheer volume of the list was meant to impress. Unfortunately, it worked.
ping for your interests
Usually when businesses support government regulations like this it is part of a calculated strategy to eliminate or reduce competition.
Which is what this attempts to do for the greenie companys that can’t compete with traditional sources.
Obama said he would bankrupt coal for electricity in favor of solar and wind...hint take a look at the list of companies.
As a life-long bookkeeper- most for small Mom + Pop businesses, I smell a foul odor here.
This kind of support should not exist. Almost everything the EPA does undercuts business & creates more & more paperwork.
“I remember the first list I saw of the thousands of “scientists” promoting global warming. When you looked closely, the large majority were degreed in non-climate related fields. There were even psychologists.”
Yup! And a lot of them signed because they blindly trusted the scientists, the science, and trusted that the temp data was factual. More scientists, etc., droppin’ off that list every day!
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