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Latta: Costly Regulations Would Cause Plant Closures and Displace Workers

Washington, DC, July 25, 2013 | Laura Strange (202-225-6405)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) voted in favor of H.R. 2218, the Coal Residual Reuse and Management Act, an important piece of legislation that would provide certainty to the coal ash industry and protect jobs by providing a practical alternative to federal regulations that drive up compliance costs, and would create an enforceable minimum standard for the regulation of coal ash by the states.

“Unfortunately, the President’s latest regulatory proposals threaten our energy potential and would curb recent economic growth. A continuation of costly regulations will only lead to additional closures, more displaced workers and an inability to provide consumers with reliable and affordable electricity,” Latta said.

Congressman Latta took to the House floor to provide the following remarks regarding his support for H.R. 2218.

“About 45 percent of the coal ash generated is recycled, being used as an additive in cement, concrete, wallboard, roofing materials, road based fill materials, and snow and ice control.  While all of this is completely safe, designating coal ash as a hazardous waste would halt these beneficial uses, which the EPA estimates will lead to 16.7 billion dollars in increased costs per year, further damaging our economy. This legislation keeps those products on the market and avoids job loss in those industries. It will provide certainty in the coal ash industry and strikes the appropriate balance of strong environmental protection without all the economic consequences of a hazardous waste designation.”

Click here, for the video clip of Congressman Latta’s full floor remarks.

 

 

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