Washington, D.C. – On March 12, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took significant steps to revise its federal regulations, particularly targeting the Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (PM2.5 NAAQS) rule. This move came as part of the advocacy led by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), which has long urged the need for regulatory changes to bolster American manufacturing.
NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons released a statement expressing gratitude for the reassessment of the PM2.5 regulatory framework. He said, "President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have answered the calls of manufacturers across the country to rebalance and reconsider burdensome federal regulations harming America’s ability to compete, including the previous administration’s unworkable PM2.5 NAAQS rule." Timmons emphasized how the current regulatory environment has been detrimental to manufacturers, claiming it results in losses totaling up to $350 billion each year.
The PM2.5 rule has drawn significant concern; industry experts fear the tightening of these standards, particularly to 8 micrograms per cubic meter of air, could lead to economic consequences including the potential loss of nearly 1 million jobs, as indicated by NAM's research. Timmons warned, "Most prominently, the Trump administration will be reconsidering the 2024 PM2.5 rule—an unrealistic and unworkable rule—" stressing the dire need for regulatory reform.
Adding to this discourse, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) expressed its support for the EPA's current course of action. Dr. Kimberly Wise White, the ACC’s Vice President for Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, remarked, "ACC appreciates EPA’s plans to revisit the previous Administration’s PM2.5 NAAQS rule and issue guidance to increase flexibility and provide clear direction on permitting obligations." This response was directed toward fostering regulatory certainty necessary for industry progression and economic strength.
The announcement signifies not merely regulatory change but also encompasses recommendations put forth by over 100 manufacturing associations. A letter addressed to President Trump back in December 2024 outlined multiple regulatory actions aimed at easing the compliance burdens manufacturers face. Among the recommendations were calls for the reconsideration of the PM2.5 rule, modifications to existing power plant regulations, and providing long-term regulatory certainty for the auto sector to maintain competitive edge and innovation.
Beyond immediate economic impacts, the reconsideration of regulations also seeks to strengthen the overall industrial climate. The ACC highlighted its commitment to improving community health and safety, boasting of its members' adherence to the Responsible Care® program, which has led to significantly improved safety records. "Responsible Care practitioners have a 4x greater worker safety rate than the U.S. manufacturing sector as a whole," noted Dr. Wise White.
The EPA's approach appears to align with the broader aim of enabling American manufacturers to thrive amid rising global competition. This change is viewed by stakeholders as not only necessary for operational feasibility but as instrumental to reinforcing America’s position as a manufacturing leader.
With the announcement of regulatory reviews, the EPA is poised to create new pathways for enhanced manufacturing growth, innovation, and job creation across the economy. By addressing the concerns voiced by industry leaders and aligning regulations with economic realities, the effort could signal the beginning of what has been termed the "great American comeback" as the manufacturing sector gears up for renewed investment and growth.
Manufacturers, represented by the NAM and the ACC, advocate for reasonable regulations as they navigate the challenges of modernization, environmental concerns, and economic imperatives. Together, they aim to cultivate an environment where both industry and communities can prosper, ensuring long-term sustainability for American manufacturing.