U.S. Business Groups Tell Congress to Support the EPA's Mandate to Regulate Carbon Emissions

A group of 60,000 firms through 14 United States business organizations sent a letter to congress calling for the U.S. legislators to support the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act.

Some of the business organizations that represent both large and small U.S. companies who have joined in support of the Clean Air Act include the Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), the Main Street Alliance, the American Wind Energy Association and the American Sustainable Business Council.

The letter [pdf] begins by identifying the EPA's 40 year track record as a proven "protector" of the U.S. economy as well as the "public's health."  The letter claims that both small and large businesses support  EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act.

Specifically the letter points to a recent national poll of small business owners which showed 61% agreed that the move towards clean energy is a way to restart the economy and make their businesses more competitive in the global economy, and that 50% support comprehensive clean energy and climate policy."

Citing specific large corporations standing behind the EPA the letter goes on to say, "Some of the most trusted consumer brands in America, including eBay, Stonyfield Farm and the entire Outdoor Industry Association along with several major utilities are on record supporting the reduction of greenhouse gases and other pollution."

Finally, the businesses urge Congress to see the economic ramifications of delaying or blocking implementation of the Clean Air Act:  "the Clean Air Act provides lawmakers with an example of how responsible environmental measures can both ignite new industries and send a market signal to investors and entrepreneurs that innovation and investment in the clean energy sector is good business."

Richard Eidlin, director, business engagement, American Sustainable Business Council, explains: "The Clean Air Act provides lawmakers with an example of how responsible environmental measures can both foster new industries and send a clear market signal to investors and entrepreneurs that innovation and investment in the clean energy sector is good business. As owners, employees and investors in sustainable businesses, we urge Congress to uphold the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate carbon emissions as authorized by the Clean Air Act." 

Read the press release at American Businesses For Clean Energy: MORE THAN 60,000 FIRMS IN U.S. BUSINESS GROUPS URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT EPA, CAUTION THAT CLEAN AIR ACT RULE DELAYS COULD DRIVE UP BUSINESS COSTS

Image Credit: Carlos Gotay Martinez via Flickr