Lummis Bill Ensures Wyoming Remains a World Leader in Soda Ash Production

Press Release

U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) has introduced H.R. 6490, a bill to ensure Wyoming soda ash sustains its global competitiveness by extending the current two percent soda ash royalty rate through 2016.

Lummis released the following statement:

"Wyoming is the proud leader in American soda ash production. More than 90% of U.S. soda ash production occurs in Sweetwater County, employing several thousand Wyoming people.

"It is absolutely critical that we ensure Wyoming's leadership in this field. The ever-present competition resulting from the dramatic growth in China's soda ash industry, and its continued policy to distort the international trade of soda ash will persist in challenging American soda ash exports.

"My bill means jobs for Wyoming, it provides the stability industry needs to create jobs and a reliable stream of revenue for the state of Wyoming and for the U.S. Treasury. H.R. 6490 will maintain a level playing field for Wyoming companies and ensure Wyoming's rich tradition of soda ash production continues to have a vibrant future."

Background:
The Green River Basin in Sweetwater County contains the world's largest natural trona deposit. Four companies in Wyoming produce over 11 million tons of soda ash a year and employ more than 3,000 people. By contrast, soda ash produced in China is a synthetic material.

Last year, America's soda ash industry contributed more than one billion dollars to the U.S. balance of trade.

Source