Proposed EPA Rule Changes Could Affect Plant Barry Coal Ash Cleanup

Environmental advocates warn of potential setbacks for coastal Alabama if federal regulations are rolled back.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex environmental impacts and forces surrounding the coal ash storage at Plant Barry.An abstract illustration captures the complex environmental forces at play in the ongoing coal ash cleanup efforts at Plant Barry.Mobile Today

Proposed changes to federal coal ash regulations could influence how cleanup efforts are carried out at Alabama Power's Plant Barry in Mobile County, where millions of tons of coal ash remain stored near Mobile Bay. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rolling back certain requirements concerning coal ash, which could ease some cleanup standards and affect how utilities close coal ash ponds. Environmental advocates warn the changes could be a "disappointing setback" for the region.

Why it matters

The coal ash pond at Plant Barry has long been a concern for environmental groups, who say the stored material poses significant risks to the local waterways, fisheries, and public health. Any reduction in federal oversight could increase the need for stronger local action and commitments from Alabama Power to fully address the issue.

The details

At Plant Barry, coal ash is currently stored in ponds that remain in contact with groundwater, raising concerns about potential impacts. Alabama Power has announced plans to recycle a portion of the ash while closing the remaining material in place, but environmental groups are calling for the utility to commit to fully recycling all the ash at the site. State regulators recently approved a two-year extension for closure activities at the site, moving the deadline to April 14, 2028.

  • In 2024, Alabama Power announced plans to build a recycling plant and begin recycling 600,000 to 700,000 tons of pond ash a year.
  • The current deadline for closure of the coal ash pond at Plant Barry is April 14, 2028.

The players

Mobile Baykeeper

An environmental advocacy group that has raised concerns about the coal ash pond at Plant Barry.

Diane Thomas

A member of the Coal Ash Action Group, which is calling for Alabama Power to commit to fully recycling all ash at the Plant Barry site.

Alabama Power

The utility that operates the Plant Barry facility and is responsible for the coal ash cleanup efforts.

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What they’re saying

“If these rules are enacted, they could be a disappointing setback for the people of coastal Alabama.”

— Mobile Baykeeper

“No matter what happens in Washington, the facts on the ground in coastal Alabama remain exactly the same. The coal ash pond at Plant Barry continues to pose significant risks to human and environmental health.”

— Mobile Baykeeper

“Our message from the Coal Ash Action Group to APCO is: Alabama Power Company, secure the necessary extension of the pond closure deadline and commit to full recycling of all ash at Plant Barry.”

— Diane Thomas, Coal Ash Action Group member

What’s next

The EPA proposal has not yet been finalized, and any changes to federal coal ash regulations could influence the timeline and approach to the cleanup efforts at Plant Barry.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal environmental oversight and local concerns over the risks posed by coal ash storage. Even if federal rules are relaxed, there remains a strong push from community groups for Alabama Power to take comprehensive action to address the coal ash issue at Plant Barry and protect the surrounding environment.