Barge president supports EPA policy

My purpose in writing is to encourage broad support of HR 2401. This bill, while imperfect, does offer a common sense impact evaluation process for some EPA policies which - while well-intentioned - place unrealistic financial burdens on businesses, transportation services and citizens. I believe we need some additional check on EPA mandates that seem to travel faster and cut deeper than compliant US industries can move. My business enterprises are engaged in the country’s “greenest” commercial transportation modality: barges moved on our inland waterways. I am in favor of environmental responsibility. It is a hallmark of our work and our companies. But, folks, there is a limit to how quickly we can transition without sending transportation, utilities and fuel costs through the roof. There are not yet enough initiatives in the works to effectively offset equipment compliance costs, alternative fuel use in power plants, and the jobs devastation each would include. Such major adjustment will take more time than the EPA currently wants to allow. We believe in the science of climate change and do not want to hinder the enacting of rules and laws which effectively improve the collective health of the citizens of this country. Indeed, much of the product we move on the nation’s waterways, clean coal, is a step toward improving our greenhouse gas quotient. We believe in the transitional use of clean coal and a longer transition timetable for mandated changes.  
In so far as the spirit of HR 2401 is designed to encourage prudence and fairness, we believe it has merit. Some have charged that it is a ploy to discredit and dissolve the EPA.  We be do not believe this to be the case and believe HR 2401 is a step in the right direction to govern the EPA’s aggressive regulation and mandate a manageable schedule for modernization, without placing an undue burden on our nations citizenry in the process.  Please contact your elected Congressman and US Senators to express your support for HR 2401.  

Don W. Miller Jr.
President, TPG Mt. Vernon Marine
(Mt. Vernon Barge Service, Green River Barge Service, MVBS Jeffersonville)
Mount Vernon