Michigan's Chemistry Industry Welcomes Senator Stabenow Amendment to Suspend U.S. EPA Rules That Threaten State's Economy, Jobs

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Apr 07, 2011, 03:09 ET

LANSING, Mich., April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) introduced an amendment that would suspend U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting regulations for stationary sources. The amendment was co-sponsored by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). The Senate voted on the amendment late yesterday.

Michigan Chemistry Council CEO Cynthia Schulz issued the following statement:

"Michigan's chemistry companies welcomed Senator Stabenow's amendment to suspend EPA's GHG permitting regulations, which jeopardize our industry's more than 30,000 Michigan jobs, along with approximately 100,000 others in downstream sectors. The amendment is a positive step on this important issue.

"We look forward to working with Senator Stabenow to ensure that a solution is achieved within the next three months. Prompt action is critical, as Phase 2 of EPA's greenhouse gas regulations go into effect July 1, 2011, and will significantly affect stationary sources, including Michigan's manufacturing plants.

"We commend Senator Stabenow for demonstrating her commitment to Michigan jobs by leading an effort to pass legislation to fix the problem. Michigan manufacturers, farmers and small businesses are depending on Senator Stabenow and her colleagues to resolve this issue."

Chemistry jobs are high-paying. The average wage of a chemistry industry employee in Michigan is $76,000, which is 27 percent higher than the average manufacturing wage. These jobs generate $2,107 million in earnings plus $306 million in federal, state and local taxes on personal income and $322 million in Social Security and Medicare contributions.

BACKGROUND: The Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) is the proactive voice for the business of chemistry in Michigan. MCC was established in 1967 and has had a full time presence in Lansing since 1989. The chemical industry employs individuals from over 40 countries that made the decision to work and live in Michigan. Michigan is the sixth largest chemical manufacturing state in the United States.

SOURCE Michigan Chemistry Council