Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) responded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declaring coal ash is safe for recycling and use in products like cement and wallboard.

“We applaud this decision by the EPA which will help provide more certainty for the 316,000 workers directly impacted by coal ash and its safe disposal and use,” said Rep. McKinley. “This decision reinforces the need for Senate to take action and pass a legislative solution now.”

This move by EPA reinforces the two reports under the Clinton Administration conducted in 1993 and 2000 which determined coal ash to be non-hazardous. It is also being considered a major victory for the recycling industry and those jobs directly impacted by the safe reuse of coal ash.

“We are continuing to work to pass a legislative solution to encourage recycling and protect jobs and the environment,” added McKinley. “This gives states the authority to set their own standards for the disposal of coal ash with oversight by the EPA.”

Rep. McKinley’s Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2013 passed the House with strong bipartisan support and the backing of more than 300 organizations across the country.