Richard Burr: “sometimes the Government makes a mistake and, yes, even agencies make mistakes. But the test of effective government is…”

“sometimes the Government makes a mistake and, yes, even agencies make mistakes. But the test of effective government is how quickly an institution can correct their errors. In 1990, in a case of mistaken identity, the Environmental Protection Agency listed a chemical called ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, or EGBE, on its hazardous air pollutant list under the Clean Air Act amendments. This chemical is considered not harmful to the ozone and, according to scientific studies, does not harm the environment. The listing of this nontoxic substance will trigger regulations costing each can manufacturer about $5 million to comply, and the EPA's hands are tied. Currently the agency lacks the statutory authority to fix this problem. I introduced H.R. 659, which would delist the chemical and remedy this solution. We should never sacrifice jobs for regulations that are not backed by good science. Now, some extremists say the 71 Members who are cosponsors of this measure want to weaken the Clean Air Act and the Community Right to Know Act by delisting this nontoxic chemical. Quite frankly, this is not an environmental issue, but an authority issue. I urge my colleagues to get the facts and prevent lobbyists from clouding the issue before us.”