During a time when heating costs are at their peak, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) today sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy expressing his concerns with the New Source Performance Standards for residential wood burning heaters.

“Not only are these new regulations impacting households across the country, they are sending small manufacturers out of business due to the increased costs,” Luetkemeyer said. “This is another example of a one-size-fits-all mold from the Administration that simply does not work.”

The letter states it is estimated the new regulations would prohibit the production and sale of 80 percent of America’s current wood burning heaters. The letter goes on to state the regulation does not apply to currently installed heaters, but it will increase the purchase price of new heaters and ultimately limiting consumer choice.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 2.4 million households, 12 percent of all homes, burn wood as their primary heating fuel. In the 3^rd Congressional District, wood burning heaters have been in households for decades and many of those families have limited access to other heating fuels.

Luetkemeyer’s letter comes as Missouri state lawmakers have proposed legislation that would prevent state environmental officials from regulating residential wood heaters unless authorized by the Legislature. According to press reports, Missouri is one of the first states to introduce legislation opposing the EPA regulations.

NOTE: A copy of the letter to Administrator McCarthy is attached.