NTU urges all Representatives to vote“YES” on H.R. 2681, the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act. Introduced by Rep.Sullivan (R-OK), this bipartisan bill grants the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) additional time to develop rules that protect public health andthe environment without doing harm to the cement industry.
Overthe past year the EPA has issued several interrelated, highly complex, andoverly burdensome standards for cement manufacturing facilities. According tothe EPA’s own estimates, the adoption of just one of these rules will impose$2.2 billion in capital costs, lead to the possible idling of 12 plants, andcost up to 1,500 jobs. Furthermore, the regulations would inevitably trigger adramatic increase in the national price of cement, which will inflate overhead costsat a crucial time for the construction industry.
TheCement Sector Regulatory Relief Act would grant the EPA 15 months to formulateand re-propose sensible and technologically achievable proposals. Moreover, thebill would extend compliance deadlines from 3 to at least 4 years in order toallow cement manufacturers adequate time to engage in the substantial capitalinvestment that would be necessary to comply with the new rules without beingforced to resort to layoffs or plant closures.
Roll call votes on H.R.2681 will be significantly weighted in our annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayerposition.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Brandon Greife at(703) 683-5700