Complete Consideration of H.R. 2681 - Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Rep. Sullivan – Energy and Commerce) (One hour of debate) The bill repeals three EPA rules that address the air pollution emissions from cement kilns: EPA's Cement MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) standards, standards of performance for new cement plants, and a rule regulating solid waste from cement plants. Under the measure, the EPA would be required to issue new regulations for limiting emissions from new and existing cement plants within 15 months of enactment. Further, regulated facilities would have to be given at least five years to comply with any new rules promulgated in accordance with this legislation.
This bill delays implementation of rules to reduce hazardous air pollution from cement kilns, and would vacate any existing rules relating to cement kilns promulgated by the EPA. In addition to this up-front delay, the bill also bars EPA from requiring cement facilities to reduce pollution and to comply with any revised standards for at least five years, and potentially longer.
There are 3 amendments with recorded votes pending:
Cohen Amendment. Requires EPA to develop a compliance schedule for the new cement kiln rules that considers the need to bring them into effect to reduce illness-related absences from work due to respiratory or other illnesses
Keating Amendment. Provides that, for the new rules required to be written under the bill for the cement industry, the compliance dates in the Clean Air Act apply, except that an additional year can be provided based upon a compelling reason
Edwards Amendment. Adds a finding to the bill that states that if the rules overturned by the bill remained in effect, they will yield annual public health benefits of $6,700,000,000 to $18,000,000,000, while the costs of such rules are $926,000,000 to $950,000,000. This finding is drawn from EPA’s analysis of the rules
H.R. 2250 - EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Rep. Griffith – Energy and Commerce) (one hour of debate) H.R. 2250 - EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Rep. Griffith – Energy and Commerce) (one hour of debate) The bill blocks the implementation of four EPA rules that would reduce allowable emissions of mercury, cadmium, particulates and other toxic air pollutants originating from boilers and incinerators.
The measure requires the EPA to issue new regulations to replace the four original proposals within 15 months of enactment. Regulated facilities would have to be given at least 5 years to comply with any new rules.
The Rule for H.R. 2250 was adopted on 10/4 and it allows any amendment submitted and printed in the Congressional Record to be in order for consideration under the 5 minute Rule. Pro Forma amendments are also allowed under the Rule. There were 21 amendments submitted and printed in the Congressional Record.
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