EPA Announces Next Set of Actions on Coal Ash Program
WASHINGTON – Today, as part of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to prioritize timely action on coal ash, the agency is issuing a direct final rule and companion proposal that will extend the compliance deadlines for coal combustion residual (CCR) management unit (CCRMU) requirements. This important action will allow facilities to submit both sections of the Facility Evaluation Report at the same time, provided that both reports are turned in no later than February 8, 2027.
“President Trump recognizes that affordable and reliable energy are key to the strength of our nation and to our nation’s energy dominance,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Today’s actions provide much needed regulatory relief for the power sector and help deliver on the commitments outlined on the greatest day in deregulatory history to unleash American energy, lower costs for Americans, and work hand-in-hand with our state partners to advance our shared mission.”
EPA is also extending the groundwater monitoring requirements for owners or operators of coal combustion residual management units until August 8, 2029, at the latest. Because the Facility Evaluation Report and groundwater monitoring requirements are necessary for compliance with other CCRMU requirements, EPA is making the same extensions to the remaining CCRMU compliance deadlines. These actions advance Administrator Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, including the pillars on Clean Air, Land, and Water for every American, Restoring American Energy Dominance, and Permitting Reform, Cooperative Federalism, and Cross-Agency Partnership.
Background
On March 12, 2025, the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in the history of the U.S., EPA committed to taking swift action on coal ash, including state permit program reviews and updates to the coal ash regulations. Since then, EPA has proposed to approve North Dakota’s CCR program application, which would allow the state rather than the federal government to manage coal ash disposal in surface impoundments and landfills. EPA has also made significant progress working with Wyoming and other states as they seek to manage their own CCR programs. EPA will continue working with state partners to prioritize timely action and empower those with local expertise to oversee more effective coal ash disposal operations.
EPA will accept comments on the companion proposal for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. This final rule will be effective six months after publication in the Federal Register unless EPA receives adverse comments. For a copy of the pre-publication notice and more information on how to comment, visit the CCR Management Units webpage for more details.