Eric Astrachan, Executive Director of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the trade association of America’s ceramic tile producers, issued the following statement today in response to House passage of the BRICK Act (H.R. 1917):

 

“America’s tile manufacturers support the BRICK Act. The EPA has admitted that its recent rule would yield no air quality environmental benefits, while imposing costs on tile manufacturers,” said Eric Astrachan, Executive Director of the Tile Council of North America. “It’s simply common sense to delay implementation of the rule while the courts weigh challenges to it and EPA has a chance to reconsider this rulemaking. The last thing tile manufacturers need is a completely unnecessary government regulation.”

 

“America’s tile producers are grateful to Representative Bill Johnson (OH) for his leadership on this issue. For a few years now, Congressman Johnson has fought hard to help America’s ceramic tile producers remain competitive in the face of stiff global competition,” added Mr. Astrachan, in support of Congressman Johnson’s significant efforts.

 

The House of Representatives today passed the “Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2017” (BRICK Act) (H.R. 1917). The legislation would stay implementation of the EPA’s “NESHAP for Clay Ceramics Manufacturing,” a regulation governing emissions at ceramic tile manufacturing facilities, until federal court challenges to the regulation are complete. The EPA, in its regulation, estimated that the new rule would yield no environmental benefits with respect to ceramic tile producers, while imposing certain costs on the industry.

 

About TCNA

TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America (TCA), it became the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) in 2003, reflecting its membership expansion to all of North America.

The Tile Council is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers. Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, economic reports, and promotional literature.