Roofing group concerned about potential EPA rules
The National Roofing Contractors Association is worried
about the EPA overstepping its authority with its recent findings on greenhouse
gases.
The Environmental Protection Agency Dec. 7 announced that carbon dioxide and other gases it says contribute to global warming are likely to be the subject of future regulations. Any new rules would affect motor vehicles and buildings that emit more than 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually, NRCA officials said.
NRCA officials say they are concerned the rules could be an excessive burden for building owners and developers.
"We're concerned new proposed rules expected to be issued by the EPA in accordance with the finding would give the agency unprecedented powers," said association Executive Vice President Bill Good. "And even if the 25,000-ton threshold withstands legal challenges, it starts the U.S. on a path where construction activity becomes increasingly subject to bureaucratic approvals. The EPA has suggested pre-permit assessments of greenhouse gas emissions for significant new construction projects; imagine what that will mean for shopping center developers or even local school boards."
The EPA was given the ability to regulate greenhouse gases in a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision, although it did not exercise that power under former President George W. Bush.
The Environmental Protection Agency Dec. 7 announced that carbon dioxide and other gases it says contribute to global warming are likely to be the subject of future regulations. Any new rules would affect motor vehicles and buildings that emit more than 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually, NRCA officials said.
NRCA officials say they are concerned the rules could be an excessive burden for building owners and developers.
"We're concerned new proposed rules expected to be issued by the EPA in accordance with the finding would give the agency unprecedented powers," said association Executive Vice President Bill Good. "And even if the 25,000-ton threshold withstands legal challenges, it starts the U.S. on a path where construction activity becomes increasingly subject to bureaucratic approvals. The EPA has suggested pre-permit assessments of greenhouse gas emissions for significant new construction projects; imagine what that will mean for shopping center developers or even local school boards."
The EPA was given the ability to regulate greenhouse gases in a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision, although it did not exercise that power under former President George W. Bush.
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