NFIB

EPA Secretary Christie Todd Whitman on Small Business
07/ 24/ 2002

In an exclusive interview with MyBusiness magazine, Whitman talked about small business and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Q: What role does small business play in the regulatory process?

A: To realize the intended benefits, regulations have to be written with the user in mind. That's why we work directly with small businesses before, during and after the actual regulatory development process. Through early involvement, small businesses can provide input before regulatory proposals take shape. Afterwards, they can provide comments before decisions about the final rule are made. They also work with us to develop regulatory guides, which are used after rules take effect to facilitate compliance.

Today, small businesses are also helping us explore alternatives to conventional command and control regulations. One example is the Massachusetts Environmental Results Program, which uses a package of compliance assistance, self-certification and performance measures to replace traditional permitting for three small business sectors. Based on a successful pilot program, we're working with other states and small businesses to see if this same approach might be useful in other sectors or settings.

Q: What other ways can small businesses work more effectively with EPA?

A: EPA has a number of voluntary programs that provide small businesses with opportunities to improve business practices in ways that are good for business and the environment. These programs can help address issues more quickly and cost-effectively than regulation, and in some cases, offer remedies for problems that may not be conducive to regulation at all. They include programs, such as EnergyStar, which promote energy efficiency, and WasteWise, focused on recycling and other waste minimization strategies, and others that address a variety of environmental performance issues.

Knowing how important it is to recognize achievement, EPA is also encouraging small businesses to apply for the National Environmental Performance Track program. This first-of-its kind federal program rewards facilities that go beyond compliance with regulatory requirements to attain levels of environmental performance that benefit the workforce, communities and the environment. We believe this approach represents the next generation of environmental protection, one that focuses more on cooperation, accountability and results.

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This Web extra is a supplement to the MyBusiness story, "Capitol Coverage," which appears in the August/September 2002 issue.

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