The environmental agencies have the best information on regulations and environmental protection. We can both be most effective working together and using the SBDC network to get information and assistance delivered to business. In respect to environmental assistance, SBDCs should not be singled out as the main point of contact especially since many SBDCs do not provide environmental assistance at this time. The bill should instead encourage all service providers including the SBDCs,to work within the existing network set up in the state. Congress should ensure that this legislation contain specific language promoting pollution prevention.
Pollution is the contamination of air, soil, or water by the discharge of harmful substances.
Pollution prevention occurs when raw materials, water, energy and other resources are utilized more efficiently, when less harmful substances are substituted for hazardous ones, and when toxic substances are eliminated from the production process. Pollution prevention activities achieve the multiple goals of resource conservation, environmental protection and compliance with environmental laws and regulations. It is a key element of nvironmentally sustainable economic development, and therefore, should be an important component of this legislation. Adopting source reduction practices and techniques often benefits industrial and agricultural facilities by lowering operational and environmental compliance costs as well as long term liability and clean-up costs. By preventing pollution, a company will find it easier and less expensive to comply with all environmental regulations.