Today: Congresswoman Adams' Coal Ash Amendment Up For a House Vote
Press Release
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) today introduced an amendment to H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015. The amendment to H.R. 1734 is up for a vote today on the House floor.
Congresswoman Adams' coal ash amendment would add bipartisan requirements to H.R. 1734 that are similar to those adopted by the state of North Carolina. The amendment would require regular water-well testing as well as the creation of a public website containing up-to-date water quality information. The amendment also requires the owner or operator of coal ash ponds to provide access to another source of drinking water within 24 hours, if water is found to be contaminated.
"North Carolinians and Americans across this nation should have access to drinking water that is not contaminated by toxic coal ash," said Congresswoman Adams. "North Carolina is leading the charge with regular water-well testing and surveys that are accessible to families and communities across the state. All Americans should have that same certainty in knowing their drinking water is safe."
Congresswoman Adams continued, "My amendment would require coal ash pond owners and operators to be transparent in their surveying and monitoring of the quality of the water in our communities. Rural communities that often rely on well water for cooking and drinking deserve to have access to safe drinking water."
Coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash, is toxic waste created after coal is burned to produce electricity. In December 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a coal ash rule. The final rule provides significant health, safety and environmental benefits for communities across the country that live near more than 1,400 coal ash dams and landfills. Nearly 70 percent of all coal ash dams are located near communities of color and low-income communities.
H.R. 1734 is Republican legislation that would replace the EPA rule -- undercutting already limited public health protections. Congresswoman Adams' amendment seeks to add additional protections to the legislation that would ensure families have access to safe drinking water and that they are kept informed about the quality of the water they consume.
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