EPA Proposes Weakening Coal Ash Disposal Rules, Risking Groundwater

The Trump administration's plan would ease monitoring and cleanup requirements for toxic coal waste, raising concerns from environmental groups.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:12am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in shades of gray, brown, and blue shows a cracked, leaking pipe spewing toxic coal ash sludge, conveying the environmental hazards of the EPA's proposed rule changes.A fractured, abstract painting depicts the toxic threat of improperly contained coal ash, as the EPA proposes weakening disposal rules.Michigan City Today

The Trump administration has proposed weakening federal regulations on the disposal of coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal that contains hazardous heavy metals. The proposed changes would ease standards for monitoring and protecting groundwater near coal ash sites, and roll back rules requiring the cleanup of entire coal plant properties. Environmental groups warn this could lead to more coal ash contaminating nearby waterways and groundwater.

Why it matters

Coal ash is a major environmental concern, as it can leach toxic substances like mercury, lead, and cobalt into groundwater if not properly contained. The 2008 Tennessee coal ash spill and the 2014 North Carolina spill highlighted the risks posed by improper coal ash disposal. The proposed rule changes could open the door for companies to leave coal ash sitting in groundwater, undermining key protections.

The details

The Trump administration's proposal would make it easier for states and other regulators to grant exemptions from national coal ash disposal standards. This includes relaxing requirements for monitoring groundwater and cleaning up entire coal plant properties, not just the ash dumping sites. The EPA claims the changes reflect a commitment to 'restoring American energy dominance' and 'accommodating unique circumstances' at coal facilities. However, opponents argue this could allow more coal ash to contaminate water supplies.

  • In 2022, the Biden-era EPA rejected a request from an Ohio coal plant to close a coal ash disposal site in contact with groundwater.
  • In January 2025, with Trump back in the White House, coal industry entities asked the EPA to revise the agency's stance on coal ash disposal.

The players

Lee Zeldin

EPA Administrator under the Trump administration who proposed the coal ash rule changes.

Nick Torrey

An attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit that opposes the proposed rule changes.

Utility Solid Waste Activities Group

An industry association that supports the EPA's efforts to provide more 'site-specific flexibility' in coal ash regulations.

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What’s next

The EPA's proposed rule changes will now go through a public comment period before a final decision is made.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's effort to weaken coal ash disposal rules raises serious concerns about the potential for increased groundwater contamination and environmental harm. This move is part of a broader push to roll back regulations on the fossil fuel industry, despite the documented risks to public health and the environment.