EPA proposes looser coal-ash rules, sparking groundwater concerns
TL;DR
The EPA proposed weakening cleanup rules for coal ash disposal, including easing groundwater monitoring, allowing exemptions to national standards, and expanding the reuse of coal ash, moves critics say could leave toxins like mercury and lead in groundwater. The plan would roll back some Biden-era protections that required site-wide cleanup and stricter controls, prompting opposition from environmental groups despite industry calls for flexible, site-specific approaches and potential cost savings.
Topics:nationenvironment#coal-ash#environment#environmental-policy#epa#groundwater#regulatory-rollback
- EPA proposes gutting rules for handling toxic coal ash, a move that threatens groundwater PBS
- EPA scales back oversight on how toxic coal waste is stored The Washington Post
- Trump administration proposes easing coal ash protections. What does it mean for WNC? WLOS
- US agency proposes rolling back rules for safe disposal of toxic coal ash The Guardian
- Trump administration proposes more flexible regulations for coal plants’ toxic waste disposal The Hill
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