We are truly in danger of losing the coal ash fight because of two anti-coal ash amendments tacked onto the House budget legislation. We anticipate that the first amendment (No. 10) will be on the floor THIS AFTERNOON.
These two amendments, Amendment 10 offered by Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Amendment 217 offered by David McKinley (R-WV), would prevent EPA from regulating coal ash as a hazardous waste by explicitly preventing the funding of a subtitle C rule. If passed, the amendments, which are nearly identical, would require EPA to regulate coal ash as a nonhazardous waste under subtitle D. EPA’s only option would be to issue guidelines for states that not mandatory and that are unenforceable by EPA. The amendments would maintain the status quo of lax (or absent) state oversight of coal ash dumping and would guarantee that polluters will have the legal right to continue to dump coal ash in unlined pits and ponds.
Earthjustice is asking you to call your representative in Congress TODAY and ASK THEM TO VOTE NO ON AMENDMENTS 10 AND 217.
Your calls will make a difference. Even if we lose in the House, if the margin is not great, we may be able to defeat the amendment in the Senate.
Calling is simple: Locate the telephone number of your member of Congress by using the link below – just insert your zip code. http://www.contactingthecongress.org/
THANK YOU for your help at this critical time.
