Hoeven, Manchin Introduce Updated Coal Ash Recycling Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation that will create a states-first approach to regulating coal ash that provides both certainty for the safe and efficient recycling of coal ash and an enforceable state permit program for the disposal of coal ash. This legislation, which will be considered at a hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, builds on the senators' past efforts to find a bicameral, bipartisan solution for the recycling and disposal of coal ash.

"This bill ensures that EPA's coal ash disposal standards are enforced with proper oversight from our states, instead of the approach taken by EPA in the final rule, which regulates coal ash and enforces the requirements through litigation. Coal ash is a byproduct of coal-based electricity generation that has been safely recycled for buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure for years," Hoeven said. "North Dakota serves as a good example of how states can properly manage the disposal of coal residuals with good environmental stewardship. Recycled coal ash was used to build our Heritage Center and the National Energy Center of Excellence on the campus of Bismarck State College."

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