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Video: U.S. Rep Jenkins speaks in support of coal bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., spoke on the House floor today in support of legislation that protects coal jobs and encourages reuse of coal ash.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass the bill, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act, later this evening. H.R. 1734 was introduced by Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.), and Rep. Jenkins is an original cosponsor.

“This bipartisan bill will provide certainty for more than 300,000 workers around our country, including thousands of coal miners in my state of West Virginia and southern West Virginia in particular,” Rep. Jenkins said.

The bill would put states in charge of implementing coal ash rules, ensuing proper protections are in place to protect public health, the environment, and jobs.

“This bill puts the states in charge. It gives our states the enforcement authority to implement standards for the safe disposal of coal ash. Our state and local officials know better than Washington bureaucrats how to address the regulatory requirements of the rule,” Rep. Jenkins said.

 

Rep. Jenkins’ full statement is below.

 

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Congressman McKinley, for all of your hard work on this very important issue. I rise to offer my strong support for this legislation. This bipartisan bill will provide certainty for more than 300,000 workers around our country, including thousands of coal miners in my state of West Virginia and southern West Virginia in particular.

“The recycling of coal ash materials helps to keep Americans energy costs low. It helps to produce construction supplies that industries across our nation rely on, such as materials for concrete and roofing.

“The EPA’s final rule did not address a number of issues, including state permitting requirements and oversight. This bill puts the states in charge. It gives our states the enforcement authority to implement standards for the safe disposal of coal ash. Our state and local officials know better than Washington bureaucrats how to address the regulatory requirements of the rule.

“I urge passage of this bill and I yield back.”

 

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