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February 22

Another View: Collins is right to seek delay in boiler emissions regulation

It's critical to have extra time to review a rule that will have a big impact in Maine.

By Tom Elliman, a Portland resident

I am writing in response to a recent Maine Voices column regarding the Clean Air Act ("Senators' advocacy of Clean Air Act helps Mainers breathe more freely," Jan. 25).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Elliman is a resident of Portland.

The author, Arthur Cerullo, without naming the legislation specifically, apparently wants Sen. Susan Collins to reverse her stand in opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's rush to impose the "Boiler MACT rule." Boiler MACT seeks to regulate emissions from some 200,000 boilers in the United States, at an estimated cost of some $9.5 billion.

Sen. Collins' bill simply seeks to delay the imposition of this rule, which would have an adverse impact on many mills -- particularly in the forest products industry – here in Maine. Costs would increase to the mill owners, possibly forcing them to close, and would jeopardize many Maine jobs. Sen. Collins' bill has the bipartisan support of 41 senators.

Why delay the passage of the bill? Time is needed both by industry and the EPA. Sen. Collins' bill would re-instate the extra 15 months for review that the EPA itself requested. Such questions as biomass being treated as solid waste rather than fuel need to be answered.

A lot is riding on this bill for businesses in Maine, many of which may have to close if the rules are applied precipitously. Sen. Collins has a strong record of support for environmental issues, and she is right on this one.

The EPA may or may not be on the right track, but let's take the extra time to be sure. Many jobs are at stake. Please support Sen. Collins in her efforts to delay imposition of the Boiler MACT rule.

 

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