Washington, DC– Legislation written by Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1) was approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee today with bipartisan support. This legislation would protect 316,000 jobs dependent on the reuse of coal ash.

“This legislation will provide closure and certainty to an issue that has been unresolved for over 30 years. 316,000 jobs are at risk from vague and harmful regulations. We need this common-sense reform to ensure coal ash programs meet standards to protect the environment while providing flexibility to the states on implementation,” said McKinley.

Previously, in 1993 and 2000, the EPA had determined coal ash was not hazardous. But the regulation finalized in December left EPA the option of changing the designation and left other issues unresolved. As a result, the recycling industry faces continuing uncertainty.

In the 112th and 113th Congresses, coal ash legislation sponsored by Rep. McKinley passed the House of Representatives, but died in the Senate.

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