SE Valley Times

President Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma, along with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, have filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration's EPA to prevent a new air quality rule from impacting Arizona's economy and citizens. The rule, titled "Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter," imposes strict regulations on fine particles in the air, particularly in Maricopa, Pinal, and Santa Cruz counties.

President Petersen expressed his concerns, stating, "The Biden administration should be rewarding American businesses for being the most environmentally friendly in the world. Instead, they are doubling down on their left-wing agenda. This rule is bad for Arizona, its citizens and our small businesses." He highlighted the detrimental impact the rule could have on infrastructure construction, permits for new manufacturing facilities, small businesses, and economic growth in the state.

The lawsuit aims to address the potential repercussions of the new rule, including halting infrastructure construction, blocking permits for new manufacturing facilities, and increasing costs for businesses and consumers. President Petersen emphasized the importance of focusing on mitigating wildfires, the primary source of pollution, rather than imposing strict regulations that could harm Arizona's economy.

In a statement, President Petersen criticized the EPA's move as "tyrannical, arbitrary, and illegal," and emphasized the need for relief through legal action. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to challenge the implementation of the new air quality rule.

For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov