EPA Wants to Delay Compliance Deadlines for Coal Ash Industry

Another day, another environmental regulatory rollback announced by Trump’s EPA: The agency last week announced it will extend the compliance deadlines related to coal ash.

Here’s what the regime said in a press release:

"Today's actions provide much needed regulatory relief for the power sector and help deliver on the commitments outlined on the greatest day in deregulatory history to unleash American energy, lower costs for Americans, and work hand-in-hand with our state partners to advance our shared mission." 

But wait there’s more (spoiler - it’s all bad news): EPA is also extending the groundwater monitoring requirements for operators of coal combustion residual management units until at least Aug. 8, 2029.

Why is this happening? It’s part of the systematic dismantling of a bevy of regulations promulgated to protect our environment and public health.

This past spring, EPA committed to taking swift action on coal ash, including state permit program reviews and updates to the coal ash regulations.

“This is an infuriating continuation of a pattern where vital regulations, crafted to shield our communities and environment from toxic pollution, are being systematically gutted,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We've seen this abandonment of duty far too many times, and it forces us to ask: Is EPA leadership even committed to protecting the public, or have they truly abandoned us to the whims of polluting industries?”

EPA will accept comments on the companion proposal for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. This final rule will be effective six months after publication in the Federal Register unless EPA receives adverse comments.

For a copy of the pre-publication notice and more information on how to comment, visit the CCR Management Units webpage for more details.