Joco Today

Today, Senator Marshall introduced a resolution under the Congressional Review Act aimed at blocking a rule from the Biden Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rule involves phasing out hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigeration units. Senator Marshall argues that the rule would significantly increase operational costs for Main Street grocery stores, which are already burdened with high expenses related to labor, utilities, and merchandise. Representative Dunn has proposed a similar bill in the House.

"My Main Street grocers are already operating on tight margins," said Senator Marshall. "The massive increase in costs associated with this rulemaking will force grocers to increase their prices or, in more dire circumstances, close completely. Gone are the days of the Biden Administration’s inflationary, burdensome rules and the heavy hand of the federal government hounding our mom-and-pop shops."

Jenny Osner, owner of Hired Man’s Grocery & Grill in Conway Springs, Kansas, expressed her support for Senator Marshall's resolution. "I'm incredibly thankful to Senator Marshall for introducing this important resolution," she said. "As the only grocer in town, people depend on us to help feed their families. The financial strain from these regulations will put our dependability and community’s ability to access fresh food in jeopardy."

Chris Jones, Chief Government Relations Officer of NGA (National Grocers Association), also voiced concerns over the EPA's regulations. "The EPA’s refrigeration regulations put the viability of our nation’s independent supermarkets in significant danger," he cautioned. "These mandates will inflict crippling costs upon an industry that already operates on razor-thin margins. This kind of overreach will inevitably translate to higher food prices for consumers and, in the direst of circumstances, could force the closure of community grocery stores. NGA wholeheartedly applauds Senator Marshall’s defense of independent community grocers and his strong commitment to averting these potentially catastrophic consequences."