Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. issued a consent decree saying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue a regulation on coal ash by December 19, 2014. The court’s decision reinforces the need to find a solution that protects jobs and the environment.

"Over the past four years, we have conducted over 100 meetings and discussions and worked with the EPA, labor unions, businesses, coal ash recyclers, utilities and state environmental and safety officials to craft legislation,” said Rep. McKinley. “This plan protects the livelihoods of more than 316,000 hard-working men and women while setting standards that protect health and the environment. The Obama Administration and EPA have publically stated they will not oppose it.”

“A legislative solution will give more certainty for the hundreds of thousands of Americans whose jobs depend on it,” added McKinley. “With this court decision, it makes it even more imperative for the Senate to pass this bill.”

Rep. McKinley’s Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2013, which passed the House with bipartisan support, encourages the recycling of coal ash, gives states the authority to set their own standards for the disposal of coal ash with oversight by EPA, and protects human health and the environment.