House Leaders Pull Asbestos Bill Before Floor Vote

Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives recently pulled asbestos legislation from the floor after last minute changes resulted in swift opposition from NSSGA, PCA and NRMCA. H.R. 1603, the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act which the Energy and Commerce Committee reported out on a bipartisan 47-1 vote, was scheduled to be heard under an expedited procedure used for non-controversial legislation known as “suspension of the rules”. However, before it hit the floor language was added to the bill to expand the definition of asbestos beyond the intent of the legislation. The new definition would add unnecessary delays and expenses to the production of aggregate and other raw materials.

Quick action from NSSGA, supported by NRMCA and PCA’s government affairs teams, resulted in the legislation being pulled from the calendar for lack of consensus support. NRMCA is working with NSSGA, PCA, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and others to monitor and oppose legislation that unnecessarily adds to the cost and time for production and delivery of critical raw materials used to make ready mixed concrete.

For more information, contact Andrew Tyrrell at atyrrell@nrmca.org.