COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 1 (UPI) -- Environmental laws in the United States need to be drafted in a way that protects competition and economic growth, an Ohio lawmaker said.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, wrote in a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama that so-called energy intensive industries are challenged in their ability to compete globally because of high prices.
Brown called on the Obama administration to offer financial and technical transition assistance to companies to help level the playing field.
"A comprehensive strategy of investments and well-defined incentives can drive innovation and encourage long-term investments necessary for manufacturers and industry," Brown wrote in his letter.
Brown said the Obama administration was offering similar benefits to automotive manufactures.
"Industries that drive Ohio's and our nation's economy -- manufacturers, farmers, electric power generators -- need assurances that greenhouse gas reductions will be crafted to enhance our nation's competitiveness by not impeding business and job growth," he wrote.
Brown faces re-election in 2012. His plea comes as lawmakers weigh funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations in the latest budget proposal.
