Senator Casperson offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14.

            A concurrent resolution to urge the United States Environmental Protection Agency to forgo its recent proposal to tighten emission limits on wood stoves.

            Whereas, Wood is the oldest heating method known to mankind, a mainstay of rural homes, and a renewable energy source. Many Americans cannot afford or do not want to depend on utility-provided heat. Instead, they use a less expensive and more traditional home heating method--locally harvested wood.  Over 100,000 households in Michigan and nearly 2.5 million across the country depend upon wood stoves to provide heat and warmth. Many people who have a wood stove use it to supplement another fuel. During the recent propane shortage, households with a wood stove who could not find or afford propane were able to stay warm through the cold winter months; and  

            Whereas, The Environmental Protection Agency's new emission limits on wood stoves threaten the viability of this historic heating source and the way of life of many rural Americans. When completely effective, the regulations would require manufacturers to meet emission limits that are 80 percent lower than those currently in effect. The proposed standards will undoubtedly lead to higher production costs and either force manufacturers out of business or raise prices so high that many consumers could no longer afford wood stoves; and

            Whereas, The regulations would destroy wood burning as a way of life, forcing many people to resort to other more expensive forms of heat. Additionally, if wood is no longer needed for fuel, segments of Michigan's timber industry, which contributes countless jobs and sizable economic activity, may be negatively impacted. Clearly, this is not an acceptable situation; wood must remain a viable heating option for rural Americans; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the United States Environmental Protection Agency to forgo its recent proposal to tighten emission limits on wood stoves; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.