House committee voted to end EPA regulation of toxic coal ash
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep.
Jul 31, 2020282.4K Shares3.7M Views
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, on Wednesday passed a bill that would forbid the EPA from regulating the handling of coal ash, a toxic by-product of coal power generation. The vote was 35-12.
In a press release, Earthjustice senior administrative counsel Lisa Evans said:
“„“We knew Representative McKinley would doggedly protect his coal interests by passing this bill but we’re appalled that so many of our elected leaders have no problem endangering their constituents.
“„“This bill basically is a giveaway to coal companies to escape requirements for proper management and cleanup of hazardous waste. For communities who suffer the effects of poisoned drinking water, unstable dams and leaching coal ash sites, this is a travesty.
“„“Coal ash poisons drinking water with arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury and other chemicals. Our House leaders should be ashamed that they have placed their constituents and their families in harm’s way.”
Upton supported the bill.
Rhyley Carney
Reviewer
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