Washington, DC (July 25, 2013) – Today, U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce voted for H.R. 2218, the Coal Ash Recycling and Oversight Act of 2013, a bipartisan bill to establish healthy and safe “requirements for the proper management and disposal of coal combustion residuals.”
 
“High energy prices hurt the poor, and this legislation is an important part of ensuring that reliable, affordable energy continues to power our homes,” said Pearce, “The EPA’s attempts to regulate coal ash as hazardous waste would have disastrous consequences for our economy, our energy bills, and our jobs.  I’m proud to vote for a strong alternative that will protect New Mexicans’ health and safety, and protect good paying jobs here in the United States."    
 
The EPA’s proposed coal ash regulations are estimated to cost between 184,000 and 316,000 jobs—jobs protected by H.R. 2218.  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous other trade and business organizations, endorsed the bill.