The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday said it is poised to reject Alabama’s proposal to take over coal ash regulation, saying the state is not doing enough to protect people and waterways.
The agency issued a proposed denial of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s application to allow the state permit program to operate in lieu of the federal program. The agency said in a news release that Alabama’s program is significantly less protective of people and waterways than the federal regulations require.
“Exposure to coal ash can lead to serious health concerns like cancer if the ash isn’t managed appropriately,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Low-income and underserved communities are especially vulnerable to coal ash in waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and in the air.”
Read this story and all our reporting for free — forever.
Sign up for our newsletter to support WABE’s mission of delivering independent, in-depth journalism — and hand-picked NPR stories that matter to Atlanta.
We will never share your email address with others. How does your newsletter sign-up support WABE and Public Media...
