NEWSRELEASE
For Release: April 1, 2004
Contact: John McDowell, (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 04-11 ADVO
EPA Praised For
Listening To Small Business
Rejects New
Duplicative, Costly, And Complex Requirements For Storm Water
Runoff
WASHINGTON, D.C. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listened to small business and today decided not to impose new duplicative, costly, and complex requirements for construction sites. EPA based its decision in part on the comments and concerns raised by small businesses in the homebuilding and construction trades.
The Construction and Development rule was finalized after a multi-year process of soliciting comments on a proposed rule designed to curb pollution from storm water runoff. Small businesses had a seat at the table because of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA). The law, celebrating its eight-year anniversary this week, requires EPA to vet regulatory proposals with a panel of small businesses prior to issuance.
The small business panel that examined EPAs proposal recommended that EPA focus on better enforcement of existing rules and improving state and local permitting systems. Small businesses advised EPA that forcing homebuilders and others to comply with new rules and file the same state paperwork with an EPA office in Washington would have little effect on water quality.
"With this decision EPA got it right, and deserves the praise they get from small business," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "Small business owners volunteered their time to discuss the proposed rule and offer other options. EPA listened, understood, and acted. Their decision is right for small business, right for the environment, and right for the American people," he said.
EPAs decision means that small construction firms will not have to comply with additional federal permitting, which would duplicate and possibly conflict with existing state and local water runoff regulations and permits. EPAs announcement alleviates concern that new rules would complicate implementation of the federal Phase II storm water program, which started last year.
In 1996, Congress passed SBREFA in recognition of the unique nature of small business and the important role it plays in our economy. Small businesses generate most of the net new jobs, and their diversity means that one-size-fits-all regulatory proposals many times add significant burdens without corresponding benefits.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
###
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.