"WASHINGTON - In a win for the coal industry, a House committee approved a bill Tuesday that would prevent federal regulation of coal ash as hazardous waste.

The legislation would place coal ash in the same category as metal scrap, waste water and household garbage, and would allow states to voluntarily regulate it.

Rep. John Shimkus, the Illinois Republican who chairs the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on environmental issues, said states don't want federal interference."

Elizabeth Bewley reports for the Gannett Washington Bureau June 21, 2011. [2]