The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rejected Alabama’s proposal to take over coal ash regulation. The agency said Thursday that Alabama’s proposal was “significantly less protective of people and waterways' than required by federal regulations. Coal ash is what remains when coal is burned to generate electricity.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday rejected Alabama ’s proposal to take over coal ash regulation, saying the state plan does not do enough to protect people and waterways.
The agency said the state’s proposal was “significantly less protective” than required by federal regulations, and that it “does not require that groundwater contamination be adequately addressed during the closure of these coal ash units.” “EPA is laser focused on protecting people from exposure to pollution, like coal ash, that can cause cancer risks and other serious health issues,” EPA Administrator Michael S. ReganCoal ash is what remains when coal is burned to generate electricity. Coal ash contains contaminants such as mercury, chromium and arsenic associated with cancer and other health problems. States can assume oversight of coal ash disposal but must meet minimum federal requirements.
The EPA warned last year that it was poised to reject Alabama’s program, citing deficiencies in Alabama’s permits for closure requirements of unlined surface impoundments, groundwater monitoring and required corrective actions.“Today marks a significant victory for every Alabamian who values clean water,” Cade Kistler of Mobile Baykeeper said in a statement.
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