This Week

The Obama administration has publicly listed a total of 219 new job-killing regulatory actions under consideration for the upcoming year, each of which would have an estimated cost to our economy of $100 million or more, indicating that seven of those regulations would have an estimated economic impact of more than $1 billion each in job-destroying costs for job creators.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Boiler MACT (maximum achievable control technology) rules are exceedingly complex and unduly onerous.  Together, these four rules span 276 pages and impose control and monitoring standards for 11 subcategories of boilers and process heaters that vary by design and fuel type.  These rules require boiler owners to conduct emissions testing and comply with complex control standards.  Hospitals, factories, universities, farms, and thousands of major American employers will be directly impacted by these rules.

EPA officials have estimated that the capital cost of implementing these rules will be $9.5 billion.  A recent study prepared by IHS Global Insight puts the figure at more than $14 billion with over 230,000 jobs at risk.  Another study by the American Forest and Paper Association had concluded that for the forest products sector alone, the final Boiler MACT rules put at risk over 20,000 jobs, or 18% of the entire workforce, for U.S. pulp and paper mills.

Importantly, The EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011, H.R. 2250, would alleviate the excessive regulatory burden placed on Minnesota employers by the EPA’s Boiler MACT rules by replacing them with sensible, achievable rules that do not destroy jobs.  The House began consideration of the bill this week as part of theHouse GOP plan for job creation, which includes a focus on preventing or reversing the negative impact of over-regulation.

Polymet Mining Roundtable

Today in Duluth, I hosted the quarterly roundtable discussion on the Polymet mining project, which would be located on the Mesabi Iron Range in NE Minnesota.  Participating groups included state legislators, representatives from the U.S. Senate, MN Pollution Control, the DNR, U.S. Forest Service, EPA, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IRRRB, and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa to discuss issues associated with the proposed Polymet mining project on the Mesabi Range.  If approved, the project will provide a new domestic source of raw materials.  Ultimately, this will lower the United States’ reliance on foreign product and provide well-paying jobs at a time of high unemployment for Minnesotans.  The mine will also yield tax revenues for upgrades in infrastructure, which will help raise employment and prosperity for the people of Minnesota’s Eighth District.  I look forward to working with all concerned parties to determine the best path forward. 

To view photos from the Polymet mining roundtable, please click here.  

More Jobs for Minnesota

I will examine all pro-growth proposals that mitigate excessive, job-destroying regulations that saddle small businesses and job creators.  Republicans and Democrats must find areas of agreement regarding job creation that both sides can agree.  We must set aside differences, build consensus, and produce a bill that helps job creation so that we can come together and act quickly to get the middle class back to work in this country. 

We cannot have more ‘stimulus’ style spending.  Any jobs package must provide specifics on how it will be paid for.

I am committed to taking every possible step to improve conditions for private sector job creation in the Eighth District and to get our economy back on track so that America’s workers and business owners can do what they do best: create, innovate and lead.  We must focus on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and the pursuit of pro-growth tax relief.

Mobile Offices

Each Friday, members of my staff will head out from my three district offices in North Branch, Duluth and Brainerd to hold what are known as mobile offices.  If you have a question about federal benefits or a question regarding your dealings with a federal agency, please stop by at the given locations at the times listed so you can speak with one of my staff.  The list of mobile offices for next Friday, October 14 can be found here.  As always, you can also reach my casework staff by phone at (651) 237-8220, or toll free at 1-888-563-7390.

It is my privilege to have provided my constituents access to mobile offices in over 110 Minnesota cities since entrusted to this office.

Commitment to Constituent Outreach

It is my duty to provide my 8^thDistrict constituents unprecedented access to their representative to Washington.  To date, this responsibility has amounted to thirteen town hall meetings, eight tele-town halls, mobile offices in over 110 different cities, numerous roundtable discussions, and three permanent district offices where we conduct office hours – anyone is able schedule an appointment.  My primary focus is to create more jobs for the 8th District; I look forward to continuing this conversation with my constituents.

Social Media

One of the best ways you can keep up to speed with what I’m doing in Congress is through social media. I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and on Twitter.

Rest assured, I will remain an independent, conservative voice in Washington; I promise to uphold the fiscally conservative principles the people of the 8^thDistrict entrusted upon me.  It is a privilege serving you as your elected representative to Congress.

Very truly yours,

 

Chip