Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/348149
w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m July 2014 • /insight on manufacturing | 7 EDITOR'S NOTE | NIKKI KALLIO n k a l l i o @ i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m In June, the envIronmental ProtectIon agency announced proposed rules for reducing carbon emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. Naturally, manufacturers – one of the largest consumers of power – have questions. e biggest one, of course, is, "How much will this cost us?" And under the umbrella of that question, they have concerns about the ability to retain employees, stay competitive and stay in business. According to Wisconsin Public Service, the proposed rule itself is 645 pages long. Supplemental technical support is 595 pages, and the regulatory impact is 376 pages. No wonder there are questions. Manufacturers are not opposed to becoming more energy efficient or helping to protect the environment. Many make it a point to say they want to do their part, whether that comes from a company culture dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint or because consumers want to work with companies that demonstrate an environmental consciousness. But manufacturers also want to stay in business, and they want to see a strong American economy (see Cover Story). ere is common ground. e nation already has been moving toward greater efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions annually. Greater efficiency in manufacturing processes is better for the bottom line. New rules drive innovation. Nobody, not even the EPA, wants to put the American economy into a tailspin. In Northeast Wisconsin, we've already shown a strong ability to form partnerships and work together to solve problems, demonstrated by groups like the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance, or NEW ERA, and their Cost and consciousness partners, working to solve issues like the growing skills gap and workforce development and retention. Now, working with utilities and environmental groups on finding middle ground, areas of agreement and ways to innovate can help the EPA finalize rules that will be attainable. e public comment period on the proposed rule extends through mid-October. Speaking of partnerships, NEW ERA has worked with area manufacturers to develop three new options for earning engineering bachelor's degrees right in the New North – students can start their program at area technical colleges and then complete their degree through UW-Green Bay or UW-Oshkosh (see Education & Training). It's an excellent joint effort that will pay off as the need for skilled engineers in our region grows, and it will help keep young talent right here where we need it. It's one of those things that can happen when we get out of the mindset of "this is how we've always done it." A little creative thinking has helped some companies offer donations of materials that might have ended up in landfills. Lamar Advertising had some used polyethylene billboard posters. (What can you use those for again, right?) People who have no flooring or inadequate roofing can make excellent use of them, protecting themselves from the elements. H.J. Martin & Son gave boxes and boxes of flooring that were inadequate to finish jobs here, but were perfect for finishing buildings in rural villages in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Local organizations that aid overseas causes, like International Children's Fund in Neenah (see Back Office) and Rotary clubs throughout the New North, count on these donations. Giving surplus items can help save dumping and recycling fees, and some of it can be written off as a charitable donation. Plus, it feels good. What are the ways your company is giving back? F