Groups representing manufacturers, automakers, electric utilities, grocers and cement makers met with White House officials recently in a last-ditch effort to keep the health standard unchanged. They argued that tightening it would be costly and harm the economy in areas that will have to find additional air pollution controls.
Edison Electric Institute officials made their case directly to the White House Office of Management and Budget, which has to sign off on whatever the EPA decides.
"Our position is that the existing standard adopted in 1997 should remain in place," said Daniel Riedinger, a spokesman for the group, which represents investor-owned power companies.
Keith McCoy, vice president of the National Association of Manufacturers, said his group told the same White House office that the EPA was not considering the economic impact.
Mr. McCoy, its like this... Do you want a Planet to live on, or a strong economy? You can't have both.
I am rather mad that big industry cares so little about the health and environment. And I wonder why big industry has the keys to the back door of the White House? I hope the next president yanks the keys away from them and then triples the protection requirements.
I wonder what these big wig big business leaders think when they see a little baby, gagging on smog caused by Manufacturing plants??? Apparently not much.
I don't think the economy should even be considered when it comes to our safety. I say whatever the cost, get pollution down by 100%. I believe you all will agree, its better to have a healthy environment and a Planet to live on, than a strong economy.
Story here on MSNBC
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