Congressman Pearce Votes to Save Jobs

Statement

Today, Congressman Steve Pearce voted in favor of H.R. 2273, the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act.

"This legislation protects jobs in the coal ash industry, which includes mining, power plant and cement sectors," said Pearce. "While this bill devolves power to the states in permitting processes for the coal residual permit program, it does force all facilities to comply with the criteria of the Waste Disposal Act for the protection of groundwater and other valuable resources."

"Unnecessary regulations kill jobs," Pearce continued. "The EPA itself stated that coal residuals, or coal ash, should not be regulated as a hazardous material on two separate occasions. Coal ash regulations directly affect employees in throughout New Mexico, especially in the two coal fired power plants at Four Corners and Prewitt, which is near Grants. By allowing states to regulate permits for coal combustion residuals, we will save 300,000 jobs nationally. We can have economic growth and a clean environment."

Source