Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, have raised concerns over the potential impact of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on the lime manufacturing industry in West Virginia.

In a joint statement, Capito and Manchin expressed their worries about the proposed National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Lime Manufacturing Plants Amendments (“Lime NESHAP”) and its potential consequences. They emphasized the importance of lime in various industries, stating, "Lime is a necessary input for steel production, power generation, and road and other infrastructure construction funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)… If finalized as currently proposed, the Lime NESHAP would have destructive economic consequences for the American lime industry with negligible environmental benefits, imposing significant costs that far exceed any potential benefits to the public."

The senators urged the EPA to consider additional changes to the proposed regulations to address the negative impacts on small businesses within the lime manufacturing sector. They highlighted the economic significance of the industry, noting that it generates around $2.3 billion in annual revenues and plays a crucial role in various U.S. industries.

According to Capito and Manchin, the EPA's regulatory impact analysis estimates that compliance with the Lime NESHAP could cost the industry between $2 billion and $2.4 billion. They also pointed out that the lack of quantifiable benefits from the proposal contradicts previous EPA determinations that the current emissions standards are sufficient to protect public health and the environment.

The senators recommended that the EPA adopt regulatory flexibility alternatives identified by the Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel and make meaningful changes to the final rule to minimize the burden on small businesses. They emphasized the importance of considering the real costs imposed by the regulations and ensuring that the standards are both protective and feasible for the industry.

Capito and Manchin concluded their statement by urging the EPA to address the concerns raised and make necessary adjustments to the Lime NESHAP to safeguard the interests of the lime manufacturing sector in West Virginia.