Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) has introduced legislation that ensures local governments have the authority to remove unsafe buildings with waivers from potentially obstructive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

“Small towns across the country have buildings that are a danger to our neighbors and a hazard to our environment,” said Stefanik. “Recently, the town of Malone, New York, brought this important issue to my attention as they face crumbling infrastructure and a specific building that may soon collapse into a local stream. Local governments know what is best for their communities and this legislation would ensure that local governments are able to take the appropriate action when the EPA will not. This was a priority of my predecessor, Congressman Bill Owens, and I am proud to introduce this legislation in the 114th Congress.”

The bill would allow, at the request of state or local government, the administrator of the EPA to waive any emission standard or other requirement under section 112 of the Clean Air Act applicable to the control of asbestos emissions in the demolition or renovation of a building, according to a press release on the mater from the congresswoman’s office.

Under the bill, a requested waiver may be approved if the building is condemned or there is a reasonable expectation of the building’s structural failure. Any waivers must be approved or rejected within 90 days. Any applications not answered within 90 days will be deemed approved. Click here for text of the bill.