My Vote on the Coal Ash Bill (H.R. 2273)

Today, the House passed, and I voted in favor of the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act (H.R. 2273). When coal is used to make electricity in power plants, the residue left over is known as coal ash. It has never been regulated at the federal level. For the first time, this bipartisan legislation will set out federal standards, enforceable at the state level, for the safe disposal of coal ash.

I am proud of my strong record protecting public health and the environment. In fact, through my work on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I was able to strengthen this legislation in several significant ways. I fought for and won additional protections for groundwater monitoring for elements such as boron, molybdenum, mercury and sulfates. Monitoring will ensure groundwater in areas surrounding coal ash disposal sites remains safe. I won additional requirements for corrective actions, record keeping, and run-on and run-off control systems. Lastly, I worked to ensure that states are allowed to go above and beyond this federal standard.

Existing Wisconsin state regulations for coal ash are viewed as the gold standard for handling coal combustion waste and there is a strong beneficial reuse program in our state. In fact, We Energies has an average recycling rate of 96 percent and actually achieved a recycling rate close to 110 percent in 2010. The company is the only utility in the country currently digging up coal ash from existing landfills and reusing it. This process results in high quality ash used in road construction, concrete, cement, bricks and additional byproducts.

The success of this process is bringing jobs here to Wisconsin. The availability of this high quality ash attracted CalStar Products to open a new manufacturing plant in Racine County early last year, bringing 20 new jobs to southeastern Wisconsin. CalStar uses coal ash from We Energies’ Oak Creek Power Station to make sustainable building products like bricks and pavers. According to CalStar, for every ton of cement replaced by fly ash, we eliminate about a ton of carbon dioxide. Additionally, this practice has reduced U.S. carbon emissions by more than 200 million tons since 1990.

While Wisconsin continues to expand the use of renewable energy sources, coal will continue to be part of our energy mix for the foreseeable future. Instead of landfilling these materials, we should encourage their safe use in construction and building projects. When used correctly, recycled coal ash reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves resources and leads to positive economic benefits. When coal combustion residuals cannot be recycled into useful products, they must be disposed of properly and this legislation ensures that.

The Keys to a Debt Deal

In Washington, debt talks continue between President Obama and Congressional leaders to avoid defaulting on the nation’s financial responsibilities.

Defaulting on the national debt would be catastrophic for our economic recovery. Social Security checks could be withheld; jobs could be destroyed; stock prices could fall; 401(k)s, pensions, and savings could take a hit; housing prices could drop; and small businesses and working families could pay more for mortgages, car loans, and business expenses due to higher interest rates.

I remain hopeful that a deal will be reached to avert these consequences. However, when a deal is made, it must be about shared responsibility – not just cuts that harm middle-class Americans. Social Security and Medicare must be protected in any accord.

When a deal does come to the House floor, I will apply the following litmus test to see if it can gain my vote: 1.) Does the plan create jobs? 2.) Does it reduce the deficit? and 3.) Does it protect the middle class? If the answer to those questions is yes, I will support the measure.

Until then, I will continue to push for the best possible plan for all Wisconsinites. 

Sincerely,

Tammy Baldwin
Your Member of Congress

Honoring Inspiring Wisconsinites

This week provided an opportunity to honor some inspiring Wisconsinites.

One of the great pleasures of my job in Congress is hosting the annual Congressional Art Competition. On Saturday at the Verona Public Library, I awarded certificates to student artists who submitted their work to this year’s competition and announced prize winners. Congratulations to this year’s entrants! To view their submissions, click here.

 

Art Competition winner Nora Feldman with her drawing

While at home in Wisconsin, I was humbled to attend the Respect for Law Day in Baraboo. The event honored the families of those who gave their life in the line of duty in fire, EMS, and law enforcement.

I returned to Washington on Tuesday to work against a Republican agenda that includes protecting tax breaks for Big Oil and kicking children and the most vulnerable Americans off their health care coverage. In the middle of the busy legislative week, Mayor Paul Soglin of Madison visited my Washington office for a meeting on economic development and transportation projects. It was a joy to have him stop by.

Speaking of great public servants, Wisconsinites learned today that our U.S. Senator for 23 years, Herb Kohl, is planning on retiring next year. Senator Kohl has given much to the state. He is a rare and special statesman. I am so grateful for his service and his friendship.

Best wishes to all the college students and their families involved in graduation ceremonies this weekend!

Sincerely,

Tammy Baldwin
Your Member of Congress

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