WASHINGTON – This morning, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) highlighted issues that need to be addressed with the EPA’s final coal ash rule at a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The committee heard from a variety of stakeholders and representatives of the electric utility industry, state regulatory authorities, and the coal ash recycling community, who urged the committee to take action on the rule’s outstanding issues.

Senator Fischer released the following statement after the hearing:

“Today’s hearing highlighted new threats to our energy producers and an unrealistic deadline for compliance. Without immediate action, new costs and regulatory uncertainty will result in higher electric bills for Nebraska families. Every state is unique and should have input in this process, and that needs to be reflected in this rule.”

On December 19, 2014, the EPA issued its final rule regulating coal combustion residuals from electric utilities. The rule’s requirements are to be self-implemented (and are not enforceable by the EPA), which leaves facilities vulnerable to citizen lawsuits. Many utilities will face challenges meeting the requirements on time due to the rule’s unfair compliance deadline. Furthermore, the rule adopts a one-size-fits-all approach to coal ash management that will jeopardize coal ash recycling programs. Currently, the Nebraska Department of Roads utilizes a large amount of recycled coal ash in its concrete pavements, which plays an enormous role in strengthening structures and ensuring a long life for the concrete. Improvements to the rule, such as establishing state permitting program authority, would improve the safe and effective management of coal ash.

For more information on today’s hearing, please visit the Environment and Public Works Committee’s website by clicking here.

Click here to watch and download video of this morning’s hearing.

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