Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2218, Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2013, and Providing for Consideration of H.R. 1582, Energy Consumers Relief Act
Floor Speech
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Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and the two underlying energy bills that the House will consider today. I'm a proud cosponsor of both of these bills because they will protect West Virginia jobs and prevent increases in electricity costs for many of those millions of folks across this country that cannot afford it.
My colleague, Mr. McKinley, has worked tirelessly to see that H.R. 2218 has met the demands and answered the questions.
And to my colleague from Florida, when he stated that he's glad he doesn't live in these areas, guess what? We do. So it's exceedingly important to us that we do this the right way. And that's why I'm supporting the framework for state regulation that will ensure that coal ash will be used productively.
I visited the Sutton Dam in my district for its 50-year anniversary. And I can tell you, I was there when it was built, and I was there 50 years later. As they were describing the Sutton Dam and how successful it's been--and it's still a fortress of strength, holding the water back--they started talking about the construction materials used 50 years ago.
And guess what?
Coal ash was one of those construction materials that was used to strengthen this dam, and to also have it stand the test of time.
So, I think the regulatory uncertainty that's been around for years about what to do about coal ash has really cut the use of coal ash by millions of tons. But also, wouldn't we rather be recycling and reusing this in a productive measure, rather than increasing the impoundments and increasing any kind of risk to the environment?
This bill just makes perfect sense.
And the second bill addresses the growing number of billion-dollar EPA rules. In my view, billion-dollar EPA rules have two major costs: costs of jobs, and the cost to seniors and those on fixed incomes and the folks who are trying to heat their homes or cool their homes to be able to meet the high cost of electricity. So these make great sense to me.
I'm very proud of my colleague from West Virginia for bringing this to the floor for the fifth time, and it will pass again.
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