WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives is set to vote this week on Rep. David McKinley’s (R-WV) bipartisan H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act. The legislation builds on the committee’s bipartisan, bicameral work from previous Congresses and incorporates the EPA’s final coal ash rule, which was issued in December and published in the Federal Register in April. The legislation seeks to improve EPA’s rule by putting states in charge of implementing coal ash rules and ensures the proper protections are in place to protect public health, the environment, and jobs. The bill is expected to be on the Floor on Wednesday, July 22.
Rep. McKinley commented, “By empowering states to enforce these rules instead of Washington, we will return control to those who best understand local conditions and give a voice to the people affected most. I’m looking forward to advancing this bipartisan bill through the House - 316,000 hard-working Americans that rely on the coal ash industry deserve the clarity and assurances this bill will provide."
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), added, “This thoughtful solution is the result of a multi-year, multi-Congress effort to provide states like Michigan the opportunity to implement coal ash rules - not the federal government. The bill is also good for jobs and contains the important environmental and human health standards encompassed in the EPA’s final rule. I look forward to a strong bipartisan vote that will help build the momentum necessary to finally get this bill across the finish line and into law."
