Action Alert: Chamber's Voice Heard in DC

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Utility MACT rule is awaiting implementation and scheduled to be finalized by December 2011.

The EPA’s Utility MACT rule requires an untimely decrease in mercury emissions by power plants. The Asheville Chamber recently asked President Obama, his Cabinet and the EPA to first consider the implications on North Carolina business and jobs the Utility MACT rule will have if implemented.

Economists are predicting the MACT (scheduled to begin in December) will drive up prices for the power sector, manufacturers and other industries vital to NC. The Asheville Chamber encourages the President remain diligent in safeguarding our environment while also protecting businesses and working families.

US Senate takes Action:

Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Dan Coats (R-Ind.) introduced the bipartisan “Fair Compliance Act” to create reasonable timelines and benchmarks for utilities to comply with two major Environmental Protection Agency to protect jobs and keep utility rates stable. The legislation would extend the compliance deadline for the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) by three years and the deadline for the Utility MACT rule by two years – so that both would fall on January 1, 2017. Our federal delegation can help to delay this rule to give the appropriate time to assess the impact by supporting Senate Bill 1833.

How You Can Help

Contact the President and EPA

Due to the limited time we have to ensure our message is heard, we cannot afford to rely on the post office to deliver your letter. Additionally, White House security can often delay the delivery of letters to their recipients. So instead, please e-mail a .PDF copy of your letter to: E-mail Address: vjarrett@who.eop.gov

The Honorable Valerie B. Jarrett
Senior Advisor to the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20015

The Honorable Lisa Jackson
Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460


Contact your Federal Delegation

Our federal delegation can help to delay the Utility MACT to give the appropriate time to assess the impact of the Utility MACT rule by supporting Senate Bill 1833. Call your elected officials today.

Senator Richard Burr: (202) 224-3154

Senator Kay Hagan: (202) 224-6342

Congressman Heath Shuler: (202) 225-6401

Congressman Patrick McHenry: (202) 225-2576