Final answer:
Some people criticized EPA regulations due to concerns about job loss and costs for US businesses. Existing firms advocated for exceptions and loopholes in environmental standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some people were critical of EPA regulations for a few reasons. Firstly, they believed that the new restrictions would raise costs for US businesses and potentially lead to the loss of domestic manufacturing jobs. As the economy stagnated during the 1970s, the concerns about job loss became more pressing. Additionally, existing firms often argued and lobbied for exceptions to stricter environmental standards, leading to regulations with loopholes and fine print.