Ed Whitfield: “In closing, I might say that I certainly agree that the owners of these manufacturing plants do not want to build new…”

“In closing, I might say that I certainly agree that the owners of these manufacturing plants do not want to build new plants while using old rules. They want to use the best technology, but they want clear guidance from the EPA about what it should be because, when they don't have that, they find themselves involved with lawsuits with all sorts of environmental groups on a regular basis. I might also say that there are many reports out there relating to manufacturing--I am just going to read from a few--that state that one of the key factors for investor confidence is a timely and efficient permitting process that is matched to current technologies. Ken Weiss, global managing partner for Environmental Resources Management, which has extensive experience in the permitting process, testified: We routinely advise clients that obtaining a PSD permit can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years and that a minimum of 12 to 18 months need to be allowed in the project schedule. {time} 0945 The President, himself, acknowledged in his latest State of the Union speech this year that projects were being delayed and that there is a need to ``cut red tape'' to get factories built. And that is what this legislation is about. We are not telling EPA what the regulations should be. We are not telling EPA to disregard science.…”