One small business owner from discusses the problems they are facing from over regulation. While this case is specific to this owner over regulation is something all small business owners are facing.
The Zanesville Times Recorder speaks with one local small business owner.
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Motorists looking to have a car air conditioner recharged might see the cost of the service double in the coming years because of federal regulations on the refrigerant used.
Or find their local auto shop no longer provides the service because of the cost involved.
Bean Brake and Front End Service Owner John Frank is considering just that.
He said the refrigerant has cost about $5 per pound wholesale for about the past 15 years -- before that, it was less than $1 per pound. But new Environmental Protection Agency regulations on ozone-depleting chemicals being developed could cause the price to soar to $85 per pound.
"And it's less efficient than what we use now," Frank said.
"We have to pass that along to the customer. We have to figure that in to the cost of doing business."
The customer cost for a recharge has gone from about $60 to $65 on average several years ago to about $75 to $80 today, which includes labor, the cost of the refrigerant used, environmental fees and taxes.
It could cost $160 plus labor and other fees under the proposed regulations, Frank said.
Small businesses such as Frank's are railing against a new round of state and federal regulations such as these, which some say will increase costs to consumers, thus turning them away and making it harder for the small business sector to add jobs.
"It's really taking a toll on small business," said National Federation of Independent Business Ohio Member Support Manager Andy Patterson. "There are more than 4,000 different federal regulations that are in the pipeline right now, and 850 of those are going to affect small business owners in Ohio."
For example, the EPA is reviewing 330 regulations covering things such as farm and construction dust to carbon dioxide emissions, Patterson said.
The NFIB is the country's leading small business advocacy group, with member agencies in all 50 states, that lobbies at the state and federal levels to protect the right of members to own, operate and grow their businesses.
"Our stance is, let's rein in some of the regulations being created, and let small business owners get back to creating jobs," Patterson said. "If the government could foster an environment where business can grow and add jobs, our small businesses can hire people in their communities and put people back to work."
Member Kelly Moore and her husband, Greg, operate four NAPA Auto Parts stores, in Zanesville, Dresden, Coshocton and West Lafayette. She also is concerned with the availability of some products because of the increase in costs.
"Regulations on products, equipment, training, documentation, if it affects part of our industry, it affects us all," Moore said. "We've had as many as 26 employees, now we're at 23. When people leave, we can't afford to replace them because everything costs more. And customers, they can't afford the products. It's hard to stay profitable, keep your doors open and keep local people employed if customers aren't coming in. Eventually there are only so many costs you can absorb."
Moore said she has noticed price increases in items such as red grease for lubricating machine parts to brake cleaner, which four to five years ago retailed for about $1.75 for a quart. The price has risen to $3.49, which makes a big difference when a regular customer is buying product by the case.
"And since there's regulations on the kinds of chemicals used in it, it often doesn't work as well as the old product," she said. "I think there's still a way the government could clarify and simplify a lot of these rules, save us money and still look out for the ecological good."
Group representatives have been trying to drum up support through local, state and national meetings for its Small Businesses for Sensible Solutions campaign and encouraging business owners such as Frank and Moore to speak out.
Members aim to encourage the federal government to examine the long-term effect of regulations on jobs and economic growth as part of the federal rule-making process.
Meanwhile, the EPA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and newly-created Consumer Financial Protection Agency already are providing an outlet for businesses to have their concerns addressed at the national level.
Striking the right balance between protecting the public without causing economic harm to the businesses being regulated is the EPA's chief mission, said EPA Office of Policy Team Leader Lanelle Wiggins.
"That's what the EPA's job is," she said.
She said the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel created within the EPA provides an opportunity for small business owners or their representatives to share their concerns with federal officials if they feel a new federal rule will affect them economically.
"Small entities can provide advice and recommendations to the EPA, Office of Management and Budget and Small Business Administration in this way on any rule that's expected to have a substantial impact on them," she said.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also started roundtable discussions about reducing regulatory barriers for businesses, and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy within the SBA advances the views, concerns and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts and state policymakers.
Having those outlets available does little for Moore, however.
"That's like being the small squeak in the process, and I don't know if it would do any good," she said. "That's why it is so important to be a member of the NFIB, the Chamber of Commerce, so they can be that voice at the table."
