EPA regulations threaten manufacturing growth in Texas | Opinion
The unique burden with PM2.5 regulations is that the emission is notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to contain. For example, dust associated with crops and livestock is Texas’ largest source of PM2.5,— almost a quarter of the total. When combined with the next three largest contributors — prescribed fires, wildfires and unpaved roads — these natural sources represent over 62% of Texas PM2.5 emissions.
Additionally, Texas air quality is often affected by pollutants from Mexico, leaving Texas businesses to pay the price. While imposing harsh restrictions on Texas industry will do nothing to reduce those emissions generated in Mexico, they will saddle our manufacturers with compliance costs that will push up consumer prices for a wide range of goods, worsening inflation and the nation’s overall financial condition.
Estimates indicate that a lower PM2.5 threshold will trigger many Texas communities into a nonattainment designation, requiring a host of regulations on businesses and local governments to force compliance and lower PM2.5 emissions. The cost to businesses and consumers will be significant and potentially futile — as mentioned, the largest PM2.5 sources are naturally occurring and difficult to regulate.
Tony Bennett is president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
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