EPA proposes changes to coal ash regulations

[Stephen + 67]

EPA announced a new rule aimed at giving states the independence to determine how to best dispose of coal ash, the toxic metal left from burning coal. The EPA said that the deregulations would save utilities nearly $100 million per year in compliance costs and the regulated community between $31 million and $100 million per year. The proposal includes more than a dozen suggested changes regarding the way coal ash is stored at more than 400 coal-fired power plants around the country. 

In 2015, the Obama administration finalized regulations that imposed new standards on coal-ash disposal sites, in part by increasing inspections and monitoring and requiring measures such as liners in new waste pits to prevent leaks that might threaten nearby drinking water supplies. But last spring, shortly after the Trump administration took office, industry officials began lobbying the EPA to revisit the rule.

[Joanna + 68]

Coal producers will pollute when no federal regulations are in place. That is their nature!!

[李伟王芳 + 77]

So because the federal government doesn't put in regulations that means state governments can't either? Pretty sure each state has its own organization similar to the EPA - why can't the state electorate pass their own legislation?

[Meanwhile + 49]

State governments cannot hope to compete with multinationals in court. The Feds have substantially greater leverage.

[Stephen + 67]

because water never flows through more than one state.

[李伟王芳 + 77]

1 minute ago, Stephen said:

because water never flows through more than one state.

because it is important we save the biggest, most toxic polluters some money