A bill to ensure Wyoming soda ash production sustains its global competitiveness by extending the current 2% soda ash royalty rate through 2016 - H.R. 1192 - has been introduced by US Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.). The current royalty rate is in danger of expiring in October. Lummis released the following statement: "Maintaining a robust soda ash industry is vital to thousands of jobs in Sweetwater County. Although our proud tradition of soda ash production continues to be a force of economic strength for Wyoming & our country, overseas competition & rising energy costs have undercut Wyoming's status as the largest soda ash producer. China's unfair policies, which continue to distort the international trade of soda ash, have become an especially difficult hurdle in Wyoming's ability to compete in the industry. Wyoming's soda ash industry has begun to rebound, but the economy is still weak. Now is not the time to saddle Wyoming companies with increased taxes. We simply cannot afford to lose any of these good-paying jobs in Sweetwater County communities. That's why I introduced H.R. 1192, which provides the certainty the soda ash industry needs to create jobs. It also helps to ensure a reliable stream of revenue for the state of Wyoming & the U.S. Treasury. H.R. 1192 will help strengthen jobs & economic vitality in Wyoming & ensure our state remains a world leader in soda ash production."
