Federal officials in 2022 took action against a major coal plant near the Ohio River due to the threat of coal waste contaminating groundwater with heavy metals. This move was part of the Biden administration’s efforts to address coal ash issues, aiming to prevent water pollution and health risks. However, the coal industry, supported by plant operators like Ohio’s Gen. James Gavin Power Plant, sought relaxed regulations under the Trump administration. Consequently, the EPA considered easing rules on coal ash disposal and greenhouse gas emissions, driven by cost concerns and plant longevity.

Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal, poses environmental risks due to its sheer volume and potential for groundwater contamination. The industry’s push for regulatory changes raised concerns among environmentalists about safety and pollution control. The previous federal standards in 2015 were a response to a major coal ash spill in Tennessee, emphasizing proper storage and disposal practices.

The Biden administration’s recent actions targeted inactive coal ash sites and rejected state-led permitting programs that were deemed inadequate in protecting groundwater. While environmental groups expressed worries about enforcement and oversight, industry representatives viewed the regulatory shift as a balance between cost, reliability, and sustainability.

Despite the EPA’s focus on environmental justice and enforcement improvements, challenges remain in ensuring safe coal ash disposal and preventing pollution. The ongoing debate reflects the complex interplay between industry interests, regulatory policies, and environmental concerns in the energy sector.