Steve Cohen: “My amendment simply requires--it's a very simple amendment--that the Environmental Protection Agency administrator…”

“My amendment simply requires--it's a very simple amendment--that the Environmental Protection Agency administrator consider the potential reductions in the number of illness-related absences from work when establishing a compliance date for this cement kiln rule. Cement kilns are the second-largest source of airborne mercury pollution in the United States and also a leading emitter of lead, arsenic, and other toxic dangerous metals--nothing, of course, that anybody on either side of the aisle would like to see floating around the atmosphere and absorbed in our bodies. Dramatically reducing the amount of toxic pollutants cement kilns can spew in our Nation's air and water will make America a healthier, more productive nation. The EPA projects that every year that this particular rule is applicable, the administration's cement kiln rule will prevent up to 2,500 premature deaths, 17,000 asthma attacks, and 130,000 days when people will be too sick to go to work. Despite the erroneous claims from a handful of vocal individuals within the cement industry that this rule will ruin the economy, the truth is the cement kiln rule will strengthen America's economy and the American worker because cement kilns emit thousands of pounds of mercury and acid gases every year, thousands of workers are unable to go to work because they are simply too sick, meaning every day hardworking Americans are unable to work and earn a paycheck so they can put food on their family's table.…”