House Energy and Power Subcommittee reviews bills to lessen EPA regulatory impact on coal and brick industries

The House Energy and Power Subcommittee recently discussed two bills, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment (SENSE) Act and the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns (BRICK) Act, which seek to lessen the impact of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

“The SENSE Act represents a common-sense compromise between the legitimate goals of controlling pollutants emitted from coal refuse-to-energy facilities and ensuring regulations imposed on the industry are fair and allow vital remediation work to continue,” U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA), who introduced the legislation, said. “The industrious men and women at the power plants, on the coal refuse piles, and throughout the supply chain are counting on us to protect their livelihoods.”

The SENSE Act would adjust the EPA’s regulations to allow for the continuance of the coal refuse-to-energy industry, which serves the dual purpose of remediating polluted sites and creating affordable energy. The BRICK Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) would block implementation of the EPA’s Brick MACT rule until judicial review of the regulation is complete.

“The brick industry is part of our American cultural identity,” Johnson said. “It has built some of the most iconic buildings and towns in existence today. They’re often located in small communities that depend on good-paying jobs. We must make certain our regulations and laws preserve this industry, not end it, and the BRICK Act will help keep this important industry alive.”