WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) spoke about the need for bipartisan coal ash legislation at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. The hearing included testimony on the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016 (S. 2446), which was introduced by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). The bill would give states the authority regulate the byproduct of burning coal, commonly referred to as coal ash.
Barrasso also questioned hearing witness Chip Merriam of the Orlando Utilities Commission, who was testifying on behalf of the American Public Power Association.
Senator Barrasso’s Remarks on S. 2446:
“I would first like to take a moment to speak on S. 2446, introduced by Senators Hoeven and Manchin.
“My home State of Wyoming is a coal state.
“The issue of regulating the byproduct of burning coal is a very important issue to my constituents.
“The EPA decided, after public comment, that regulating this byproduct as hazardous waste was the wrong approach to storing coal ash.
“The EPA decided it was better to regulate it as solid waste, and I agree.
“There is clearly need for legislation on this issue.
“As written testimony before us today spells out, without legislation there would likely be conflicts between state programs and the EPA rule.
“So I commend Senators Hoeven and Manchin for trying to solve this issue.
“As this bill continues to move forward, I want to ensure that states have the certainty that they need that the EPA won’t move the goal posts, or impose unnecessary criteria, in the face of legitimate state plans that are based on sound science.
“I want to work with the bill sponsors, members of the committee, and you, Mr. Chairman,
to ensure that states are adequately protected in this legislation.
Barrasso Question for Mr. Merriman, Orlando Utilities Commission
“Mr. Merriman, in written testimony by some other witnesses here today and by outside groups who oppose the legislation, there is a constant theme that seems to be appearing.
“The theme is that somehow states aren’t up to the task of protecting communities and that by giving states more control over addressing coal ash storage, we are somehow taking power away from local communities.
“I believe it was Mr. Holleman, who’s shaking his head yes, who said in his written testimony that this bill ‘takes power away from local communities and gives it to state bureaucracies. . .’
“So my question is, if we give EPA all the power to address coal ash, how does that not take power away from local communities and simply just give it to Washington?”
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