A recent study from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) claims that smog regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will cost the economy $270 billion. But the regulations, necessary to alleviate the unsafe smog pollution currently experienced by 140 million Americans, will likely achieve net benefits by reducing costs associated with medical expenses and premature deaths, while experts have said the NAM study is based on "fraudulent" claims and "not based in economic reality." EPA Required To Strengthen Smog Standards, Save Lives Agency Required By Law To Propose More Stringent Regulations.