"The Trump administration will give utilities around the country an additional year to come up with a plan to clean up contaminated waterways." 

"The Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday that it would give utility companies an additional year to begin cleaning up contamination from toxic coal ash landfills across the country.

Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal in power plants, can contain lead, lithium and mercury. Those toxic metals can pollute waterways and drinking water supplies and have been linked to health effects including cancer, birth defects and developmental delays in children.

The E.P.A.’s move was a victory for utilities that had lobbied the Trump administration to delay the cleanup requirements. But environmentalists warned that it threatened the health of the predominantly poor communities near coal plants nationwide."

Maxine Joselow reports for the New York Times July 17, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"President Trump Wants Coal Ash in State Hands" (Circle of Blue) [3]