Portland Cement Association praises action by Congressional leaders

WASHINGTON, DC— The Portland Cement Association (PCA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation which protects states’ primary authority in protecting our nation’s waterways.

The Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act (H.R. 5078) will provide appropriate safeguards against regulatory overreach while allowing industry the certainty it needs to continue moving our nation’s economy forward.

“PCA fully supports this bipartisan effort to establish necessary safeguards that preserve the important role of federal-state partnerships,” said Cary Cohrs, PCA Board of Directors chairman. “We thank the leaders in the House for moving this vital legislation forward, and urge the Senate to vote on it as soon as possible.”

In late April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a regulation that would dramatically expand federal jurisdiction over “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), and therefore increase the number of operating and pre-construction permits for the cement sector and broader construction economy, among other regulatory burdens.

Among other provisions, H.R. 5078 would require EPA and the Corps to vacate the proposed rule. 

About PCA
Based in Washington, D.C., with offices in Skokie, Illinois, the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.