Benishek Votes To Curb Regulatory Overreach

Press Release

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2681, the "Cement Regulatory Relief Act of 2011." This bill, cosponsored by Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01), would protect jobs and allow the Administrator of the EPA additional time to finalize achievable rules for cement manufacturing facilities, extend compliance deadlines for affected plants by at least five years, and eliminate billions of dollars in regulatory compliance cost.

"There is simply no need to further restrict emissions standards on these companies--doing so will only send American jobs overseas to countries with lower environmental standards. Companies in Northern Michigan like Lafarge and St. Mary's are committed to creating a quality product, hiring Michigan citizens, and manufacturing in America," said Benishek, a lifelong resident of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Benishek stated that Alpena, located on Northern Michigan's eastern coast, is home to Lafarge North America's largest cement plant. Since the company purchased this plant in 1987, Lafarge has invested over $500 million in making this plant environmentally sustainable.[1] Additionally, in 2007, St. Mary's Cement Inc. in Charlevoix was given the "Overall Environmental Excellence" Award by the Portland Cement Association, which cited that St. Mary's "demonstrates excellence in several aspects of environmental responsibility."[2]

Benishek explained that this legislation was drafted in response to revised performance standards issued under sections 112 and 129 of the Clean Air Act.[3]

"The passage of this bill is important. Northern Michigan can't afford to lose more jobs to China. This measure is a key step in ensuring over 3,000 manufacturing jobs across America aren't sent overseas due to regulatory overreach," added Benishek.

The "Cement Regulatory Relief Act of 2011" (H.R. 2681) was originally introduced by Rep. John Sullivan (OK-01).

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