The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for eliminating the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding and all subsequent emission standards for vehicles in model years 2012 and beyond.
The 2009 finding stated that carbon dioxide and certain other heat-trapping greenhouse gases endangered public health and welfare. The regulation applied to vehicle tailpipe emissions, greenhouse gases from power plants, and other emission sources.
“NFIB appreciates the administration’s efforts to reduce regulatory barriers affecting the energy sector,” Beth Milito, vice president and executive director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, said. “The repeal of the endangerment finding is expected to significantly change the regulatory landscape, and we hope these changes will reduce energy costs for small businesses. Ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply remains critical for small businesses.”
Louis Bertolotti, NFIB’s principal of federal government relations, said the decision will be the largest reduction in red tape in U.S. history. The EPA said it will save taxpayers more than $1 trillion and cut the cost of new vehicles.
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center advocates for small business owners in the nation’s courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.