The Trump administration has proposed weakening regulations that govern the disposal of ash produced from burning coal, which can contain hazardous heavy metals that threaten groundwater quality.
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usnews.comkvue.comThe rules were initially strengthened under the Biden administration as part of broader efforts to combat pollution from coal-fired power plants.
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ktvb.comThe proposed changes would ease standards for monitoring and protecting groundwater near certain coal ash sites, allowing for the possibility of not cleaning up entire coal properties but only the specific areas where ash is deposited.
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baynews9.comAdditionally, the revisions would facilitate the reuse of coal ash for other purposes, a move that has raised alarms among environmental advocates.
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kens5.comEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the proposed rule reflects the agency's commitment to "restoring American energy dominance" and accommodating "unique circumstances" at certain coal facilities.
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kvue.comHowever, critics argue that this approach could lead to more coal ash being left in contact with groundwater, increasing the risk of environmental contamination.
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usnews.comBurning coal generates large quantities of ash, which contains heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cobalt.If not properly disposed of, this coal ash can leach into groundwater, particularly since many coal plants are located near rivers and other water bodies where waste is often stored.
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kvue.comEnvironmental attorneys warn that the proposal may undermine key protections designed to prevent such contamination.
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ktvb.comThe Biden-era EPA had previously denied closure requests from coal plants, such as the Gen.James Gavin Power Plant in Ohio, which sought to close a coal ash disposal site believed to be in contact with groundwater.
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kens5.comCritics contend that the new proposal could open the door for states and other regulators to grant exemptions from national standards, potentially allowing companies to abandon coal ash management responsibilities.
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kvue.combaynews9.comIn addition to loosening cleanup requirements, the proposed rule would eliminate restrictions on the beneficial reuse of coal ash in construction materials like cement, which has raised concerns about the long-term safety of such practices.
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kvue.comSupporters of the change, including industry groups, argue that existing regulations impose unnecessary financial burdens on power companies, potentially driving them out of business.
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ktvb.comThe origins of these regulations date back to the Obama administration when the EPA established standards to address the dangers posed by coal ash.These included requirements for companies to line storage sites, monitor water quality, and close leaking ponds.
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baynews9.comThe Biden administration further tightened these protections in 2024, removing certain exemptions that had previously been granted to older coal ash sites.
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kens5.comThis recent move by the Trump administration is part of a broader trend to roll back environmental protections, particularly those affecting the fossil fuel industry.
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kvue.comThe administration's stance aligns with ongoing efforts to promote coal as a primary energy source, despite the associated environmental risks and the availability of cleaner alternatives.
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ktvb.comEnvironmental advocates have responded strongly to the proposed changes.Lisa Evans, a senior counsel at Earthjustice, stated, "The Trump administration just took a sledgehammer to the health protections in place for toxic coal pollution.This is yet another handout to the coal power industry at the expense of our health, water, and wallets.".
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baynews9.comThe implications of these regulatory changes remain to be seen, but many local activists are concerned about the potential for increased pollution and health risks for communities living near coal-fired power plants.
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kens5.comAs public and governmental scrutiny of the coal industry continues, the future of coal ash management and its environmental impacts will likely be a contentious issue in the coming years.
