Paul Tonko: “Much like the bill considered by the House yesterday, the SENSE Act would provide so-called relief to a handful of…”

“Much like the bill considered by the House yesterday, the SENSE Act would provide so-called relief to a handful of companies by shifting the burdens of pollution onto the public. Congress should not be in the business of putting the profits of polluters before the health of our constituents. The reality is, by allowing these plants to pollute more, we would be doing just that. It will result in greater harm to Americans living in States with waste coal plants as well as in their downwind neighboring States, such as my home State of New York. EPA's MATS are achievable and provide considerable health benefits. Why shouldn't waste coal plants have to comply? The courts think they should. We shouldn't have to choose between a giveaway to a couple of special interests over clean air. Again, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.”