"House Votes To Let States Regulate Coal Ash"

"WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Wednesday to grant states the authority to regulate the disposal of ash from coal-fired power plants and to roll back some of the new federal safety standards scheduled to take effect later this year.

The legislation, approved by a vote of 258 to 166, would empower states to set up a process for permitting coal ash sites, using the new federal regulations as minimum standards. But some of those federal safety standards would be blocked under the measure and others would be delayed.

The bill's supporters argued the legislation by the Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., would provide certainty to the coal-ash industry and close opportunities for environmentalists to seek stricter rules in the coming years."

Michael Collins reports for the Knoxville News Sentinel July 22, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"White House Threatens Veto of Bill to Weaken Coal Ash Regulations" (International Business Times)

"House Passes Bill To Fight Coal Ash Rule" (The Hill)

"House Approves Bill To Tweak Coal Ash Standards" (AP)