Richardville measure to keep Holcim cement plant open despite recent action by the DEQ
LANSING - Sen. Randy Richardville is working to keep the Dundee Holcim (USA) Inc. cement-making plant open and save more than 350 high-wage jobs, as the Senate today passed legislation that included a Richardville amendment to the Department of Environmental Quality budget.
"While I wholeheartedly support fair and reasonable measures that will result in cleaner air and a healthier environment, imposing regulations on a company that complies with its permit threatens the economic viability of an important employer and is not in anyone's best interest," said Richardville, R-Monroe. "Holcim has been an integral part of southeast Michigan's economy for nearly 50 years and is a good employer for many area residents."
State DEQ officials have proposed a new rule that would require Holcim to invest $6.5 million to reduce pollution by 90 percent. The technologically unattainable ruling could cause the company to close and would put more than 350 employees out of work.
"Michigan's loss of jobs continues to have a devastating effect on families and their futures," Richardville said. "We cannot afford to have unreasonable government actions that cause additional economic deterioration and ultimately unnecessary harm on Michigan families."
Holcim is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components in the United States. It contributes more than $86 million annually to the Michigan economy, including approximately $27 million for employee wages, $2.6 million for taxes, more than $25 million for the purchase of local goods and services and nearly a quarter million dollars in charitable contributions.
"This company is committed to using practices that protect the environment and reduce harmful emissions," said Richardville. "While it is unrealistic for them to meet the guidelines of the DEQ ruling, company officials are willing to compromise with the department and reduce emissions further throughout the next couple years."
Posted: Thursday, September 06, 2007
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