From Environmental Action (https://environmental-action.org/):
Protect clean water, wildlife and human health: Tell the administration to comply with a federal court order for safer coal ash storage at https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=32633.
It’s a lurking environmental threat across the U.S. — the improper storage of toxic coal ash waste.
Coal ash contains mercury, arsenic and other chemicals that are toxic to wildlife and to our health. Many coal ash storage sites remain unlined — and groundwater pollution has been found near coal ash sites in at least 22 states.1,2
Last year, a federal court ordered the administration to strengthen federal coal ash storage rules to prevent this toxic waste from spilling, leaking or seeping from storage sites and polluting our water and soil.3
Unfortunately, the administration seems to be selectively applying the court’s guidance to allow for weaker storage safety rules for this highly toxic substance — even after the federal court’s ruling.
In fact, officials approved a proposal from the state of Oklahoma that mirrored the weaker safety requirements in the administration’s now-rejected coal ash storage rules.4
Our environmental laws are only effective if they can be enforced. A federal court has ruled, and now the administration needs to comply with the court’s directions and start addressing the threat of coal ash pollution and unlined storage sites.
- Christopher Mele, “What Is Coal Ash and Why Is It Dangerous?” The New York Times, September 21, 2018.
- James Bruggers, “Coal Ash Is Contaminating Groundwater in at least 22 States, Utility Reports Show,” InsideClimate News, January 18, 2019.
- Ethan Howland, “Appeals court orders EPA to toughen coal ash rule,” American Public power Association website, August 23, 2018.
- “Environmental groups sue over Oklahoma coal ash oversight,” The Associated Press, September 28, 2018.
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