On the recordMarch 12, 2012
on Thursday I voted for the Collins amendment No. 1660 to send a message that it is extremely important that Boiler MACT rules be done right. I have heard from manufacturers, paper companies, and the forestry industry all across the State of Michigan who rely on boilers in their plants. While I strongly support efforts to limit air pollution, I am concerned about the impact of the proposed rules as they are now written on manufacturing businesses and jobs in Michigan. This amendment is certainly not perfect. I have serious concerns about certain provisions such as the changes to the health-based approach that EPA uses to set emissions rules. This amendment also did not reflect the positive changes that the EPA has already made to the proposed rules. It is my intent to continue working with the EPA as they write their final rules to address the concerns that have been raised by Michigan employers--large and small--and to give our businesses the time necessary to comply with these new emissions rules. It is critical that the EPA draft rules that protect our environment while also protecting our jobs and our economy. ____________________
