Small Business Regulation Overkill

Date: March 17, 2016

There’s no escaping regulations these days—and the constant barrage of rules is hurting small biz.

Small businesses are being smothered by regulations. Two of
the worst offenders? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Department of Labor.

Workplace Injury Tracking

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
proposed a new reporting system for occupational injuries and illnesses, which
would require employers to electronically submit data from injury logs. OSHA
would then take the data and create a database—with business-specific
information—that’s available to the public. Not only could the public
misinterpret the data, but unions may also use the information to target
businesses for unionization.

Definition of Waters of the U.S. Under the Clean Water Act

The EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expanded the
definition of waters that are “navigable”—to include some small depressions and
ponds. This rule, known as WOTUS, was issued without doing required Regulatory
Flexibility Act processes. It would impose federal mandates for water quality levels,
decreasing land value and restricting the ability to expand or develop land. As
of October 2015, the rule was temporarily blocked, thanks in part to NFIB’s
efforts.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The EPA has finalized new rules that impose harsh carbon
limits on states for electricity production that will force them to close down
the coal-powered generators now providing much of the country’s power. This
will require states to generate more power from alternative sources, like wind
and solar, which can be less effective and more expensive. These rules will
have a tremendous impact on affordable electricity—one of the most important
costs for small business owners.

Stay up to date on the fight to curb burdensome regulations
at NFIB.com/Advocacy.

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