Collins Urges EPA to Rescind Biden's Lame-Duck Attack on American Boat Manufacturers
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging him to reverse an action taken in the final days of the Biden administration that threatens the American recreational boatbuilding industry.
In December 2024, Biden's EPA moved to make styrene a priority for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), putting the substance in review for possible new risk standards, restrictions, or a complete ban on its use. Collins believes this action was regulatory overreach, unnecessary, harmful to U.S. manufacturing, and a direct threat to American jobs.
"Styrene is an organic compound used in the formulation of polyester resins for fiberglass-reinforced plastics and has been used safely in boatbuilding for 75 years,"wrote Collins. "Manufacturers use fiberglass to produce durable, high-quality boat hulls, which was more difficult to achieve using wood or metal."
Collins urged Administrator Zeldin to act quickly, stressing that rescinding the decision is essential to “keep domestic manufacturers competitive and small businesses vibrant.” He further warned that “time is of the essence” with "China and other foreign interests continuously seeking to gain access to supply chains and increase market share in boatbuilding.”
Background
- 95% of boats sold in the United States are made in America.
- The recreational boating industry contributes more than $230 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of thousands of small businesses.
- Styrene is an organic compound used in the formulation of unsaturated polyester resins for fiberglass-reinforced plastics and a key component of modern boat hulls.
- U.S. recreational boat manufacturers have used styrene safely and effectively for 75 years.
###