EPA Issues Stay On Boiler Rules

Following petitions and requests from many trade groups, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is postponing the effective date of its boiler rule — one of the more controversial regulations aimed at cutting greenhouse-gas emissions from industrial boilers and incinerators.

The stay essentially exempts industry from complying with the rule until the agency is able to gather additional public comment and propose an updated, final regulation.

As a result of the stay, industry says it will have more flexibility and certainty during EPA’s reconsideration period.

Spokesman Michael Frohlich said that NAM is “extremely pleased” with EPA’s announcement. “This will alleviate job creators from burdensome and costly regulations while the EPA goes through the reconsideration process of the Boiler MACT rules and solid-waste incinerator rules,” Frohlich told National Journal, adding that uncertainty among manufacturers about the final rules has discouraged investment and job growth. ◆