Sierra Club Urges Public to Oppose EPA's Rollback of Coal Ash Regulations

Millions of cubic yards of toxic coal waste threaten North Carolina's waterways as Trump-era EPA moves to weaken protections.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a large coal ash storage pond surrounded by industrial equipment, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet foreboding about the potential environmental hazards.A serene yet ominous scene of a coal ash storage pond, a reminder of the hidden environmental threats lurking beneath the surface.Today in Raleigh

The Sierra Club is calling on North Carolinians to voice their concerns at an upcoming EPA hearing and submit public comments opposing the agency's plan to roll back regulations on coal ash disposal. The toxic byproduct of coal plants contains heavy metals and other pollutants linked to serious health issues, and without strict monitoring, these chemicals can contaminate local rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater. The Sierra Club says Duke Energy, which operates 17 coal ash sites in the state, can afford to properly manage its waste and should be held accountable for protecting communities' drinking water.

Why it matters

The EPA's proposed rollback of coal ash regulations would reduce oversight and accountability for utility companies like Duke Energy, potentially leading to more toxic pollution in North Carolina's waterways. This issue is critical for public health and the environment, as exposure to coal ash can cause cancer, heart disease, and brain damage, especially in children.

The details

The EPA is moving to weaken rules that have protected waters from toxic coal ash for over a decade. More than 133 million cubic yards of coal ash are stored at North Carolina power plants, with 40.2 million cubic yards at Duke Energy's Roxboro plant alone. This coal ash slurry contains heavy metals and other pollutants linked to serious health issues. Without stringent regulations and monitoring, these chemicals can leach into rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater, potentially impacting drinking water sources.

  • The EPA announced plans to roll back coal ash regulations last week.
  • The EPA is hosting a virtual public hearing on the proposed changes on May 28, 2026 from 9am–5pm ET.
  • Duke Energy was the first signatory on a January 2025 letter asking the EPA to roll back coal ash pollution standards.

The players

Sierra Club

America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. The Sierra Club is urging North Carolinians to voice their concerns about the EPA's proposed coal ash regulation rollback.

Duke Energy

A major utility company that operates 17 coal ash sites in North Carolina. Duke Energy was the first to ask the EPA to weaken coal ash pollution standards, and now the EPA is moving to oblige, which clean water advocates say would result in less accountability for the company.

Mikaela Curry

The Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Manager and North Carolina resident, who criticized Duke Energy's request to roll back coal ash regulations.

Lee Zeldin

The EPA Administrator who is overseeing the proposed rollback of coal ash regulations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is an absolutely awful idea. Duke made nearly $5 billion last year, they can more than afford to do the right thing by communities and monitor their coal ash pollution to make sure it's not poisoning people's water.”

— Mikaela Curry, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Manager and North Carolina Resident

What’s next

The EPA is hosting a virtual public hearing on the proposed coal ash regulation changes on May 28, 2026 from 9am–5pm ET. The Sierra Club is encouraging members, supporters, and concerned residents to register for the hearing and submit comments to the EPA opposing the rollback.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing tension between environmental protection and industry interests, as the EPA moves to weaken regulations that have safeguarded North Carolina's waterways from toxic coal ash pollution. The Sierra Club's call to action underscores the importance of public engagement in holding utility companies accountable and preserving clean water for local communities.