(RALEIGH) -- Gregg Thompson of the North Carolina National Federation of Independent Business said environmental regulations are taking a toll on small business owners. In fact, Thompson said it can be very expensive.

"We had a study come out just recently that just federal regulations alone cost small business owners a little over $10,800 a year to implement those regulations per employee," said Thompson.

North Carolina is now among six states included in a coalition called Small Businesses for Sensitive Regulations.  "All we're doing is asking small businesses to talk with their legislators, their congressmen about the regulations that are being put on them and put a face on how regulations are affecting them."

Thompson admits that some regulations are needed, but there are requirements still on the books that have outlived their usefulness.