Palmer Supports Increased Local Input on Coal Regulations

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) a member of the Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Environment, supported H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act, which passed the House today. This bill would allow for states to implement their own programs to manage and dispose of coal ash, rather than have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) run such a program. Coal ash disposal programs are mandated by law.

"The EPA frequently claims more authority than they rightfully ought to have. Unfortunately, this often leads to the EPA ignoring the concerns of state governments, and not making use of their expertise. H.R. 1734 recognizes that State Governments are closer to the people and generally better at solving problems than Washington. It is a small but welcome step toward returning more authority to the state governments."

Under H.R. 1734, the state-run program would still have to meet all of the statutory environmental requirements concerning coal ash. It would not create a duel regulatory system; either the state or the federal government would be in charge of implementing the program.

For any additional questions, contact:

Cliff Smith, (202) 225-4921, clifford.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology. Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram.