Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Cut Regulatory Red Tape for Main Street Grocery Stores

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Marshall introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block the implementation of the Biden Administration’s EPA “management” rule related to phasing out hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigeration units. The EPA’s rule goes way too far and would raise operational costs for Main Street grocery stores, which are already facing high labor, utility, and merchandise costs. Representative Dunn introduced 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.”

“I’m incredibly thankful to Senator Marshall for introducing this important resolution,” said Jenny Osner, owner of Hired Man’s Grocery & Grill in Conway Springs, Kansas. “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.”

“The EPA’s refrigeration regulations put the viability of our nation’s independent supermarkets in significant danger,” cautioned Chris Jones, NGA’s chief government relations officer. “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.”