NEWSRELEASE
For Release: December 19,
2002
Contact: John McDowell (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 02-49 ADVO
EPA Listens To Small Business Concerns About HCFC Foam Allocation
Issues Final Rule Allowing Limited Production Beyond January
WASHINGTON, D.C. After listening to the concerns of small business, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that will allow limited production of certain hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) beyond January 2003.
The Office of Advocacy worked closely with the EPA, industry members, and suppliers to help shape a final rule that addressed the concerns of small business while still protecting the environment. "This was a great collaborative effort by all parties to achieve regulatory relief for small business that makes environmental sense. Its a win/win solution," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy.
"EPA showed a willingness to overcome its initial assumptions and dig into the hard technical data," said Sullivan. "EPA has found that small industrial firms need more time to overcome challenges in developing foam formulas based on alternatives to HCFC-141b. These challenges are especially tough since the alternatives must meet worker safety, flammability, building code, and other standards," he added.
HCFC-141b is a critical blowing agent used, among other things, to make highly efficient insulating polyurethane foams. EPAs final rule allows spray and pour polyurethane foam industry members, who lack viable alternatives, to stay in business as long as they demonstrate that they are making progress transitioning to alternatives.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsels efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.