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Job Creators Strike Back against Harmful EPA Overreach

| Environmental & Regulatory Reform

In a 5-4 decision Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked a carbon emission proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would harm the nation’s job creators and add more red tape to an already burdensome federal regulatory climate. Last year, the NC Chamber joined the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other pro-growth organizations to urge national leaders to stand against this proposal. While the Court’s decision Tuesday will only temporarily block the EPA’s proposal, it provided job creators with an encouraging sign that judicial leaders are exercising a healthy level of skepticism toward the out-of-control regulatory overreach the executive branch has attempted to exert in recent years.

The Supreme Court’s ruling was particularly reassuring for manufacturers across the nation and in North Carolina. Our state’s manufacturing industry continues to be a cornerstone of our competitive economy; however, manufacturers rely on our relatively low energy costs as a competitive advantage in the global race for jobs. The additional, unnecessary red tape our manufacturers would be forced to cut through if the EPA’s proposal is allowed to take effect would significantly drive up compliance costs, increase uncertainty, and threaten the ability of North Carolina manufacturers to compete within a global marketplace.

In a recent Carolina Journal article, I spoke up in support of the Court’s decision. “This looks to be a really activist approach by the federal government to go beyond what people are doing [at the state level], and that’s never good for business when you don’t have a predictable environment,” I stated to the Journal. A number of state leaders, including Gov. McCrory, also applauded the decision.

The NC Chamber remains committed to pursuing the regulatory balance we need at the state level to continue supporting good economic opportunities and a healthy environment for all North Carolinians to prosper. As we carry on our mission to be North Carolina’s force for business in 2016, we will keep you updated on the fight against federal overreach that undermines the regulatory progress we have made at the state level.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber