API: Administration Truncates Review Of Potentially Most Costly Regulation Ever

Washington – API is concerned the Obama administration is rushing potentially the most expensive regulation in history through a shortened review process, API Senior Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman said after the rule went to the White House for final review Friday.

We are surprised the administration is limiting interagency review of what could be the most expensive regulation ever,” Feldman said. “EPA’s proposal to tighten the ozone standards would fall on top of current limits that are already improving air quality. The nation’s air is getting cleaner, and air quality will continue to improve as we implement the existing standards. We urge the administration to allow the current standards to continue working.”

Ground level ozone in the U.S. declined by 18 percent between 2000 and 2013, according to EPA data.

The administration is just now beginning final review of the rule only one month before a court ordered due date of October 1, according to Feldman. The process normally takes 60 to 90 days.

“EPA should listen to the many public officials who have expressed concern with this regulatory effort,” Feldman said. “As proposed, the new standards would impose unachievable emission reduction requirements on virtually every part of the nation, including rural and undeveloped areas. Even pristine areas with no industrial activity such as national parks could be out of attainment. Operating under such stringent requirements could stifle new investment and threaten jobs.”

The proposed ozone regulation could cost $270 billion per year and place millions of jobs at risk, according to a NERA economic analysis.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.