The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will soon be under new leadership. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-New York) to be the next secretary. explained his mission as “the liberation of economic prosperity.”
As a former EPA official and current vice president of government relations for an organization that works with investors and businesses to advance effective and profitable climate action, let me say this clearly: Zeldin is right. The EPA should unlock American prosperity. In fact, its existing standards and policies play a key role in doing just that.
The EPA quietly plays an important role in our economy. While the rules are sometimes criticized for burdening businesses, they actually have a long history of stimulating economic growth. These policies also provide stability and predictability that benefits businesses and have a long track record as catalysts for innovation that foster growth and development.
Zeldin — esp. former member Members of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Party in Congress specifically said the EPA should play a key role in revitalizing the U.S. auto industry. I couldn't agree more.
The global market is moving (very quickly in some countries) towards cleaner vehicles. The best way to keep the U.S. auto sector competitive is to provide the support it needs to adapt to changes in the global market. Already, federal tax incentives strongly encourage electric vehicle manufacturing in the United States, helping to drive domestic investment in the electric vehicle industry and create new jobs. EPA's standing policy to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from cars and trucks Until 2032 By providing certainty and predictability as auto companies make multi-year plans for investment and manufacturing growth, it will play a key role in further preparing the industry for an electric future.
Don't just take my word for it. Major US manufacturer I came out to support EPA vehicle standards, and Ford Motor Company has publicly stated that The company's business operations are conducted in accordance with standards, and it emphasizes regulatory certainty against “the possibility that standards may be reversed or changed.”
Its perspective extends beyond vehicle standards. Since the election, ExxonMobil has told the U.S. Sustaining the climate policy environment. CEO Darren Woods said that given the ongoing drive to reduce global emissions, changes in U.S. policy in the short term would “make things even more difficult in the long term.” Only,” he said. He suggested that it would be “bad for the economy'' if policy changes were made repeatedly due to a change in government.
Regulatory certainty also helps drive innovation. EPA rules to reduce various pollutants have been regularly criticized as being difficult or too costly to accomplish; again and again These were achieved thanks to EPA's careful analysis and close collaboration with the market. While the EPA has not been unreasonable and has been flexible on deadlines and standards in the face of industry concerns, the very existence of new “technology enforcement” rules has forced industry to focus on solutions and, in many cases, We are creating completely new technologies and things that are more efficient. business process.
Case in point: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, EPA regulations to reduce nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon pollution from vehicles; three-way catalytic converter Improve air quality and fuel efficiency. This is a major advance in vehicle and pollution control technology and is being adopted around the world. Thanks to the EPA standards that inspired its creation, we can all breathe easier.
I've been thinking about this Achievements promote innovation related to Power plant rules The EPA was completed earlier this year. The rule aims to reduce carbon pollution from electricity generation and encourage the adoption of carbon capture technologies, which are still in their infancy. The fossil fuel industry has long promised that this technology could serve as an important solution to climate change by preventing greenhouse gases from reaching the atmosphere and heating the planet. Currently, EPA regulations focus on large-scale technology development and deployment. If successful, it would help the United States develop new technologies that are in demand around the world as global efforts to combat climate change grow. This is further evidence of EPA's role in promoting innovation.
As the new administrator prepares to take the reins of EPA, I hope he keeps these dynamics in mind. The world continues to seek solutions to the challenge of climate change. The United States is incredibly well-positioned to provide them, and EPA's policies provide critical support in bringing them to market. I believe there is no better way to unlock America's economic prosperity than by maintaining EPA's critical role in promoting private sector ingenuity.
Ann Kelly is vice president of government relations. Ceres.
