The Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, responsible use and recycle of coal ash has the ability to reduce waste, provide construction materials, and keep utility costs low.

This past April the EPA released yet another rule aimed at coal by mandating new standards for the disposal and storage of coal combustion residuals.

As a result of this proposal, the House considered and passed H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015. This legislation codifies the base standards of EPA's final proposed rule, while also giving flexibility to the States to implement.

Specifically, H.R. 1734 will allow States to create and enforce their own coal ash recycling permit programs. It also sets up enforceable State permit programs while utilizing the EPA's minimum requirements and will protect 316,000 jobs.

Mr. Speaker, States also have the option to make their requirements more stringent than the EPA's final rule if they choose. I strongly support and was happy to vote for H.R. 1734 and the responsible use of coal and coal ash.

PENNSYLVANIA HEMLOCKS AND THE WOOLLY ADELGID

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recently I visited the Tionesta Research Natural Area of the Allegheny National Forest. This old-growth area is home to many 600-year-old hemlock trees.

During this visit, Mr. Speaker, I spoke to forestry officials about efforts to fight the woolly adelgid. I even applied a treatment designed to combat the invasive insect to one of these massive trees.

Mr. Speaker, many States are involved in the effort to fight the adelgid, which originated in Japan and was first found in the United States in the early 1950s. It can kill a hemlock tree within a few years after it becomes infested.

In 2012, I teamed with Federal researchers and those from my alma mater, Penn State University, at a forum I hosted to discuss efforts to save our State tree, the Eastern Hemlock.

As the chairman of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, I am proud Pennsylvanians are among those leading the way in fighting this disease and protecting our forests and the economic stimulus that these forests provide both through timber and through tourism, making sure that these magnificent trees which have stood for centuries will stand tall for future generations.

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FAIRNESS ACT

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, July 26, we marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The passage of this landmark legislation signified a commitment to eliminating barriers faced by millions of individuals with differing levels of disability.

It required businesses, buildings, transportation, and other services to accommodate those living with disabilities and guaranteed equal opportunities for workers with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, 25 years later it is apparent that we have made tremendous strides in upholding the intent of this vastly important civil rights law.

Today countless Americans are empowered to shape their own lives and plan their own futures as they experience their daily obstacles decreasing over time. While we have so much to celebrate, there is always more progress to be made.

This Congress I introduced the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act with the goal of eliminating a current prohibition on a person with a disability to create his or her own special needs trust.

This long overdue legislative fix was recently passed by the Senate Finance Committee, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to guide this and similar measures through the legislative processes here in the House.

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