Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act

Floor Speech

BREAK TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 2273, the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act, a bill which would prevent the EPA's burdensome regulations from drastically raising the price of electricity in my state of Florida. H.R. 2273 protects public health and the environment through the auspices of state run programs which safely regulate coal combustion residuals. As we have heard during the course of this debate, if the EPA is successful in classifying coal ash as a hazardous waste there is not only the potential of hundreds of thousands of jobs being lost, but also the likelihood that the cost of electricity will skyrocket. I know my constituents can't afford more hard times during this unprecedented economic downturn.

I'm proud to report that in the Tampa Bay area a responsible partner is helping to preserve jobs, enhance public health and protect the environment--the Tampa Electric Company recycles nearly 98 percent of all coal combustion residuals--which is one of the highest recycling rates in the nation among large power generators. These CCRs are recycled into concrete, roof shingles, asphalt, wallboard and a number of other useful items. Rather than clogging up landfills, the CCRs provide a variety of benefits and jobs.

I commend Tampa Electric for its good stewardship. Their recycling program has offset electricity costs over the past 19 years to the tune of $55 million. Let's pass H.R. 2273 to allow Tampa Electric and other companies nationwide to continue employing Americans, keeping energy costs low and protecting the environment by allowing CCRs to be managed as nonhazardous.

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