WASHINGTON, DC - The Energy and Power Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) today examined two commonsense bills to counter the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulatory overreach.
LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Rep. Rothfus (R-PA) testifies on behalf of his bill
H.R. 3797, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment (SENSE) Act, introduced by Rep. Keith Rothfus:
* Would make limited adjustments to EPA rules to ensure that the coal refuse-to-energy industry continues its vital mission of providing affordable energy and remediating formerly-polluted sites across coal producing regions.
Rep. Rothfus testified, “The SENSE Act represents a common-sense compromise between the legitimate goals of controlling pollutants emitted from coal refuse-to-energy facilities and ensuring regulations imposed on the industry are fair and allow vital remediation work to continue. … The industrious men and women at the power plants, on the coal refuse piles, and throughout the supply chain are counting on us to protect their livelihoods."
Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) delivers his opening statement
H.R.___, the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns (BRICK) Act, authored by committee member Rep. Bill Johnson:
* Would extend compliance requirements under the EPA’s “Brick MACT" rule until judicial review has been completed, protecting businesses and consumers from undue costs before the legality of the rule is determined.
Rep. Johnson stated, “The brick industry is part of our American cultural identity. It has built some of the most iconic buildings and towns in existence today. They’re often located in small communities that depend on good-paying jobs. Whitacre-Greer Brick, located in Alliance, Ohio, and in my district, is a company that fits that description. We must make certain our regulations and laws preserve this industry, not end it, and the BRICK Act will help keep this important industry alive."
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “EPA regulations impact nearly every facet of the American economy, especially manufacturers and energy producers. The SENSE Act and BRICK Act are two bills that restore balance to EPA rulemaking and merit our support."
Chairman Whitfield concluded, “Both the SENSE Act and the BRICK Act provide specific solutions to specific problems created by EPA rules that directly threaten the continued operation of businesses in these important sectors of the economy. These targeted provisions will be a net plus for the environment as well as the economy and jobs in many small communities."
For detailed descriptions of the bills, click here. For witness statements, text of the legislation, and an archived webcast, click here. See Also
* #SubEnergyPower Forwards a Dozen Bills That Say #Yes2Energy to Full Committee
* #SubEnergyPower to Vote On a Dozen Energy Bills THIS WEEK
* Bipartisan House Members Rally for Jobs, Voice Support for the BRICK Act
* Committee Clears 15 Bills That Say #Yes2Energy
* H.R. 3797, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment (SENSE) Act
* H.R. 4557, The Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns (BRICK) Act
* House Says #Yes2Energy, Approves Pro-Energy, Pro-Jobs, Pro-Environment Bill
