re: Industry environmental initiative waning?

[David Inman <dinman@norbic.org>]

You bet. The middle of the NYTimes article has this phrase:

"...voluntary pollution-control programs are most likely to arise when industry feels threatened by stronger regulation. Conversely, such programs can stagnate or wither whenever government pressure weakens."  That correlates completely with the ebb and flow of clients I've added for P2 projects over the past 5+ years.

My biggest influx of clients? A couple of Decembers ago when the Chlorinated Solvent NESHAP went into effect. 

My biggest environmental hit? One of those same clients who went from emitting 21 tons of perc per year to zero. Realized he could make do with soap and water without any ill effect on his product or to his customers. 

My biggest enemy? The equipment manufacturer who was just about to sell him a brand spankin' new degreaser with an enhanced condenser and bigger freeboard that (carefully calculated, I'm sure) would have edged him just under 10 tpy of emissions. 

None of this happens without the regulation and a compliance inquiry letter from IL EPA.

Amazing how people will begin to think outside the box, after you've put them in one.

David R. Inman - Director
NORBIC Environmental + Energy Assistance Center
Chicago
www.norbic.org
 

 


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