Washington – The Trump administration’s recent decision to roll back a swath of Biden‑era power plant emissions standards is being hailed by manufacturers as a major step toward economic growth. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons told Fox News Digital that the move sends a clear signal that the administration is listening to the concerns of American industry.
Industry welcomes the regulatory relief
“It really sent a signal to manufacturers that the administration was listening to our concerns,” Timmons said of the cuts to power‑plant emissions standards. He praised EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for the action, noting that the previous standards were “simply unworkable” and imposed timelines that could not be met by many plants.
While acknowledging the importance of cleaner air and a healthier environment, Timmons emphasized that the path to those goals must be realistic. “The timeline that they had proposed was just, it wasn’t feasible. Not that the aspirations for, you know, for cleaner air and a healthier environment aren’t good aspirations. I think we all share that,” he said, adding that the current EPA and Administrator Zeldin share those objectives.
More work needed in Congress
Although the executive action provides immediate relief, Timmons warned that lasting stability will require legislative action. He explained that manufacturers operate on long‑term horizons, and regulatory whiplash between administrations creates uncertainty that hampers investment, product development, and research.
“Uncertainty is the absolute worst enemy for manufacturers because manufacturers are on a very long‑term horizon when it comes to planning and strategy, product development, research development, so when administrations change, there has often been kind of that pendulum swing,” he said.
Permitting process identified as a bottleneck
NAM’s own polling found that 80% of manufacturers view the length and complexity of the permitting process as harmful to increased investment. Moreover, 87% said they would expand operations, hire more workers, or raise wages and benefits if permitting were streamlined.
“There needs to be more opportunities for business to be at the table. To really explain what the art of the possible is,” Timmons said. He stressed that manufacturers are not opposed to environmental goals; they simply want a realistic path forward.
Administration’s stance on clean air
Administrator Zeldin reiterated the EPA’s commitment to protecting public health while ensuring that regulations are practical for industry. He noted that the agency will continue to work with stakeholders to achieve cleaner air and water without imposing undue burdens on businesses.
“We should be part of the solution to make that happen,” Zeldin said, echoing Timmons’ call for collaboration between government and the private sector.
Looking ahead
The next step, according to industry leaders, is for Congress to pass reforms that reduce permitting delays and provide certainty for long‑term planning. With the administration’s current momentum, many hope that bipartisan legislation will follow, solidifying the gains made by the recent EPA action.
For now, manufacturers across the nation are optimistic that the regulatory relief will translate into new investments, job growth, and higher wages, reinforcing the Trump administration’s broader agenda of fostering a pro‑business environment while safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
