Ed Whitfield: “This amendment directs the administrator of the EPA to implement current cement plants rules if emissions at cement…”

“This amendment directs the administrator of the EPA to implement current cement plants rules if emissions at cement kilns are increasing the risk of cancer. This amendment would, in effect, defeat the entire purpose of our legislation. Our bill directs EPA to protect public health, also consider jobs and the effect of that on the economy, and all the aspects of American well-being, health benefits, not just one. So we think it's important that EPA consider all public health risks, not just cancer. All of the testimony has indicated that there needs to be a more balanced approach in this cement rule issued by EPA. As you know, EPA first adopted a cement rule in 1999. They did another one in 2005. It was challenged in court. They came back with another one in 2006. That one is so vigorous that it's very difficult for the industry to meet those standards. So for the fact that this amendment is focusing only on one public health risk, and I believe that it would defeat the entire purpose of our bill, which is to protect public health, but also to strengthen the economy by preventing a loss of jobs, and to look at the entire public health benefits, for that reason I would respectfully urge the defeat of this amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”