COLUMBIA — H. 4857, the coal ash bill originally presented by Sen. Larry Martin of Pickens County, has received approval by both houses and is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Nikki Haley to become law.

According to Martin, Senate amendments to the bill needed ratification, along with final readings and those hurdles have been cleared.

“The approval of Senate amendments to H. 4857 today, commonly known as the coal ash bill, is a tremendous victory,” Martin said. “It’s a big win for the people of Pickens County and the Upstate that the threat of coal ash being brought in from out of state no longer exists.”

After members of the House of Representatives approved the Senate’s amendments, Martin immediately asked for the bill to be ratified.

“The bill has been ratified and is now sitting on the Governor’s desk. The Governor will need to be briefed on the particulars of the legislation, but I have every confidence that it will be signed into law very soon,” Martin stated.

Rep. Davey Hiott of Pickens County was also pleased with the progress the bill has made.

“I’d like to thank the citizens of Pickens County for their support of our efforts to enact this important bill,” Hiott said. “There’s no question that this legislation will not only benefit Pickens County but also the entire state.”

Submitted originally by Martin, the coal ash bill was written in response to the controversy involving Pickens County and Raleigh-based MRR who had contracted for a Class 2 landfill in Pickens County. The bill in essence changes the classification needed to dispose of coal ash to a Class 3 landfill, along with meeting other Environmental Protection Agency requirements.

Martin said the bill could be signed by Haley as early as March 2.

Martin
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_larrymartin.jpgMartin

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.