14 DAY TRIAL // Today, officials from ACCCE (American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity) showed their approval towards U.S. House of Representatives' decision of adopting bipartisan legislation which will offer a state-based regulatory base in the matter of administrating coal ash.
The Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act (HR 2273) is now able to provide a framework which will be implemented in the near future by all states.
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives decided to block an initiative coming from the Environmental Protection Agency, that tried to regulate the usage of coal. In their opinion, this compound was considered toxic material able to put in danger water-covered surfaces located near coal power plants.
The Coal Ash Administration started its activity in 1993, when it first faced the issue represented by ash accumulation at the power plants. In order to provide an effective solution to this emerging problem, the organization tried to develop the usage of coal ash.
It managed to reflect the compound's economic value, in different fields of activity, but increasing its usage in various industrial manufacturing activities.
National Economic Research Associates (NERA) conducted a study which reflected the fact that four of the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations were found guilty of potentially increasing the price of electricity.
Also, in theory, the regulations were also to blame for cutting down approximately 180,000 every year, a huge step back for the American economy. ACCCE continues to urge EPA to develop sensible regulations that protect the economy and jobs, as well as the environment.
“We support this bipartisan legislation because it would establish a sensible program to regulate coal ash and ensure the environment is protected without unnecessary increases in energy costs or putting American jobs in jeopardy,” said Steve Miller, president and CEO of ACCCE.
By adopting a framework, all the states will be able to create and impose standards every company should comply with, in terms of coal ash usage.
This measure is expected to increase the level of awareness regarding eco-friendly attitudes and also stimulate the economy by creating several new jobs for people who are presently unemployed.
“This legislation represents the kind of balanced federal-state partnership that is needed for environmental protection. On the other hand, EPA is considering regulations for coal-fueled power plants that will raise energy prices, hurt families, and destroy American jobs,” concluded Miller.
There are several products which depend, during their process of fabrication, on a significant amount of coal ash, such as roofing materials, cement, or concrete. Also, coal ash finds its purpose in manufacturing fill materials. Coal ash is also used when it comes to snow and ice control.