Paul Tonko: “I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Chair, once again, the House will consider a bill that will provide the…”

“I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Chair, once again, the House will consider a bill that will provide the States with what they already have--the authority to regulate the disposal of coal ash. H.R. 2218 also virtually eliminates any regulatory role for the Environmental Protection Agency. Although the bill's title suggests that it is about the beneficial reuse of coal combustion residuals, it has little, if anything, to do with promulgating that worthy goal. No one has disputed that it is preferable to reduce the amount of coal ash that ends up in disposal facilities. It saves money and lengthens the productive life of that disposal facility, and it means that a waste product is put to productive use in cement, in wallboard and in other products. All of those things happen now, and they will happen whether this bill passes or not. Actually, if the bill encouraged stronger standards for disposal, it would likely spur increased recycling--another opportunity squandered, in my opinion. So, if it is not about recycling, what is this bill about? It is about maintaining the status quo. The bill virtually ensures that deficient facilities will, indeed, remain deficient. What does that mean? It means that communities in States with weak programs and lax enforcement remain at risk. This bill does not set credible standards to ensure that public health and the environment are protected.…”