House Passes Bill to Limit EPA Regulation of Boilers and Kilns

Date: October 6, 2011

Source: News Room

As expected, the House passed the first of two bills favored by Republicans that would indefinitely delay boiler emissions rules, including EPA's maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for industrial boilers and related rules effecting units burning biomass. The first bill, (H.R. 2681) which delays compliance with EPA's final air toxics rule for cement plants, passed by a 262-161 vote along party lines. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), said in statement that the bill's passage was a common-sense action to delay "EPA regulations that stand in the way of investment and growth." He said the legislation would make it easier for cement companies, already struggling because of reduced demand, "to succeed and create jobs again."

The House is scheduled to vote on a similar bill, H.R. 2250, that would postpone compliance dates for the boiler and related emissions rules. That legislation is also expected to pass.

However, President Barack Obama challenged both measures as job killers and has threatened to veto them if put on his desk.

See also "Bipartisan Bills to Delay EPA Air Rules Gaining Support," (www.wasteinfo.com/news/wbj20110927A.htm).

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