Senate Republicans are demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency change its new “job-killing” air quality standards.
In a letter by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and signed by 32 other senators, the group decried the possible economic effects of the tightened air quality standards.
“The current U.S. air quality standards are clearly working — we have some of the cleanest air in the world,” Tuberville said. “The EPA’s decision to tighten the National Ambient Air Quality Standards will hurt businesses, crush manufacturing, and drive up prices. Not to mention these unnecessary regulations will make it impossible for manufacturing and forestry industries to do their jobs. Joe Biden needs to spend less time pushing his job-killing climate agenda and instead focus on lowering prices for American families, businesses, and workers.”
The senators’ letter accused the EPA of ignoring “sound science” and overstepping by instituting the measures without the insight of Congress. It concluded by condemning the Biden administration for “virtue-signaling” climate activists to the detriment of communities and jobs.
The call drew praise from the Alabama Forestry Commission, which warned of not only detrimental economic impacts from the new standards but also safety and environmental detriments.
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“The Alabama Forestry Commission supports and thanks Sen. Tuberville for his leadership on this important issue,” said Rick Oates, state forester for the Alabama Forestry Commission. “The senators’ comments about emissions from wildfires are particularly significant. Under the lowered standard, this regulation will limit the ability of private landowners to practice prescribed burning which will, in turn, result in more wildfires and increased particulate matter emissions. Controlled burning is one of the best tools we have to manage forests and reduce the risk of wildfires.”
Biden’s green energy agenda has been a consistent target of criticism from congressional Republicans who argue it has a detrimental impact on the economy for minimal gain. The Biden administration, in turn, has touted itself as the most environmentally friendly administration yet.
