The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, chaired by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), stood up for domestic energy producers and the importance of coal as a reliable, domestically produced source of energy, which has other important uses. 

This afternoon at 4:00pm the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy marked up the “Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act,” which would prevent the Administration from classifying coal ash as a hazardous waste, and ensure that it is properly regulated.

For video of the markup, as well as statements and amendments, please click here.

Coal ash is the byproduct of coal combustion used for the generation of electricity. By recycling the byproduct, manufacturers are conserving resources, and producing a product that is used to make our buildings and roads studier – creating jobs and preventing high energy costs.

Yet, the EPA is seeking to reclassify coal ash as a hazardous waste. This shortsighted approach is another example of overregulation and disregards the important applications of coal ash, and will only increase the cost of energy for manufacturers.