The AP (12/2) reported that after “facing criticism from industry and lawmakers, the Obama Administration on Friday proposed easing rules aimed at reducing toxic air pollution from industrial boilers and incinerators.” The Environmental Protection Agency the new changes would require “pollution controls at the 5,500 largest and most polluting boilers nationwide, such as those at refineries and chemical plants. An additional 195,000 smaller boilers would be able to meet the rule through routine tune-ups.” However, according to the AP, “some industry groups still were not satisfied.” National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons “said in a statement that the boiler rules would still do significant harm to job growth.”
The National Journal (12/3, Harder, Subscription Publication) reported Timmons said in a statement, “This is yet another example of the EPA pursuing an aggressive agenda that is putting jobs at risk and creating uncertainty throughout the economy.” His “comments echo sentiments expressed by congressional Republicans and some Democrats that the rules hinder economic growth.” The Journal noted that Cal Dooley, president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, “and Timmons urged passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation pending in Congress that would require EPA to take more time-at least 15 months–to reissue and finalize new rules.”
Platts (12/3, Ward) reported Timmons said, “We will continue to urge the EPA to extend the compliance time frame and consider a more reasonable approach to setting the emission standards to ensure additional jobs are not put at risk.”
In a press release, the National Association of Manufacturers (12/2) Timmons also said, “As long as these rules remain open to court challenges, legislation is needed to give manufacturers more certainty so they can begin to invest and create jobs. The House passed legislation earlier this year, and we strongly encourage the Senate to take a stand for jobs and pass the EPA Regulatory Relief Act as soon as possible. America’s job creators can no longer afford to be saddled with costly, burdensome and unrealistic regulations.”
Manufacturing Growth Accelerated Last Month
The AP (12/1, Rugaber) writes, “Factories are producing more. Construction is growing. Americans are buying more cars. The holiday shopping season is off to a strong start. Normally, all that would suggest a bright outlook for the economy. Problem is, employers still aren’t hiring much, the number of people seeking unemployment benefits remains high and Europe’s debt crisis poses a grave threat to the future.”
The Wall Street Journal (12/2, Mitchell, Subscription Publication) reports the US was just one of a few large economies where manufacturing grew faster in November than in October. In the US, the ISM index rose to 52.7 in November from 50.8 in the previous month. A reading above 50.0 indicates the sector is expanding.
BBC News (12/2) reports, “According to the ISM report, manufacturing sectors that reported growth included textiles, electronics, and food and drinks. Chemicals, transport equipment and machinery were among sectors that contracted.”
Bloomberg News (12/2, Willis) reports, “Corporate purchases of new equipment, export demand, stronger consumer spending during the holidays and leaner inventories lay the groundwork for a pickup in production. At the same time, risk of recession in Europe may restrain US manufacturing, the industry that spurred the recovery.”
Complete NADCA’s Annual Satisfaction Survey for your Chance to Win an iPod Touch
NADCA’s goal is to help you overcome some of the challenges you face in the die casting industry.We are committed to promoting industry awareness, advocating domestic growth in the global marketplace and creating greater exposure for our members.
We work toward achieving these goals by creating products and services that have significant value to our members.NADCA has created a survey that will give us a better idea of how we can improve/maintain the quality of services and other aspects of NADCA membership. Your feedback is the best way for us to ensure that we are serving our members the best way we can.
Those that take the time to respond will be entered into a drawing to receive an 8GB iPod Touch. The deadline to submit your response is December 31, 2011.Please click here to complete NADCA’s Annual Satisfaction Survey for your chance to win an iPod Touch!