Congressman Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, spoke with KHTS AM-1220 about health care reform in Washington and his latest effort to stop Cemex.

Legislators hope the latest bill would make it impossible for any mining company to operate on the east side of the Santa Clarita Valley, regardless of who wins the appeal from Cemex.

Click here for more information.

He also discussed the status of health care reform, and an update on the conversation regarding health care reform in Washington.

The bill is the latest in a long line of federal efforts to stop Cemex, which was recently in the headlines for its offer to provide the cement for President Donald Trump’s controversial border wall proposal.

Related story: Mexican Company: We’ll Provide Cement For Border Wall

The Soledad Canyon Consistency Act, co-sponsored by nearby Representatives Judy Chu, Adam Schiff and Brad Sherman would withdraw the mineral rights for land in the eastern portion of the Santa Clarita Valley, effectively blocking future mining projects in the area.

“Preventing Cemex from breaking ground on this mine is a top priority for me and many in our community,” Knight said in a statement last week. “This bill will apply additional pressure and build momentum toward our goal of providing consistency, safety, and peace of mind to the people of the Santa Clarita Valley.”

As the cancellation decision works its way through a lengthy appeals process Knight vowed to pursue all available legislative and administrative avenues to prevent future mining in the canyon, including the reintroduction of this bill.