MADISON — Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released a new study by ndp|consulting, A Critical Review of the Benefits and Costs of EPA Regulations on the U.S. Economy, that examines the harmful impact of several burdensome Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on Wisconsin’s economy. The study finds that the annual compliance costs of the EPA’s proposed Utility MACT, Boiler MACT and Coal Combustion Residuals regulations on Wisconsin will be $427.1 million.
“The regulations coming out of Washington continue to dampen growth and job creation in Wisconsin,” said WMC President/CEO Kurt Bauer. “Businesses are struggling to gain momentum because of uncertainty from the fiscal cliff and federal health care policy. The EPA’s costly new regulations are making matters worse by hitting manufacturers with billions of dollars in higher costs and job-killing energy price hikes.”
The EPA’s Utility MACT, Boiler MACT and Coal Combustion Residuals regulations will have a significant impact on Wisconsin:
- Annual compliance costs: $427.1 million
- Annual manufacturing sector compliance costs: $224.8 million
- Total upfront capital expenditures to comply: $2.8 billion
- Total manufacturing sector upfront capital expenditures: $1.4 billion
“This study clearly illustrates the layer upon layer of regulations that are weighing down manufacturers’ ability to help lead our country’s economic recovery,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “If we don’t return to a more sensible regulatory process, then manufacturers in Wisconsin will face even higher energy prices, skyrocketing compliance costs, less investment opportunities and significantly fewer jobs. A devastating ripple effect will be felt throughout our entire economy, causing some manufacturers to close their doors for good.”
For Further Information Contact:
Scott Manley, (608) 258-3400
###
