WASHINGTON -- The head of the National Association of Manufacturers blasted the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed standard for existing power plants.

“As users of one-third of the energy produced in the United States, manufacturers rely on secure and affordable energy to compete in a tough global economy, and recent gains are largely due to the abundance of energy we now enjoy," NAM president and CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement.

"Today’s proposal from the EPA could singlehandedly eliminate this competitive advantage by removing reliable and abundant sources of energy from our nation’s energy mix. It is a clear indication that the Obama Administration is fundamentally against an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy, and unfortunately, manufacturers are likely to pay the price for this shortsighted policy.

"The White House itself acknowledges that the United States has reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions more than any other nation on earth since 2005. Manufacturers have led the way, reducing their emissions through advances in technology and innovation. Ironically, the EPA’s new regulations will impede future development of these technologies by limiting the domestic market and discouraging future investment.

"Manufacturers believe there is a better way. We need a more balanced approach, one that allows our nation’s manufacturers to do what they do best: find solutions and innovate. With the right policies that give us access to affordable and reliable energy, manufacturers in the United States will continue to develop sustainable solutions that power our economy, drive growth and, most importantly, create jobs here at home.”