Robert Hurt votes to block EPA rule

Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns (BRICK) Act.

The BRICK Act would protect the brickmaking and tile making industry from being forced to comply with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule until it is final and not subject to further judicial review.

“Each and every day, burdensome EPA rules and regulations hinder job growth and continue to make life more difficult for Fifth District Virginians.  The Washington-engineered rule in question would have serious effects on brickmaking and tile making businesses, costing jobs across the country in places like Brunswick County, where dozens of its citizens have been making quality bricks for more than 60 years.  While we hope that this harmful rule is ultimately eliminated, it makes absolutely no sense to force these companies to comply with this job-killing rule, while it is still subject to judicial review.  This bill is purely commonsense, and I urge the Senate to take up this legislation and work with us to protect these vital jobs.”