"This proposal could allow Alabama Power and other utilities’ coal ash ponds to remain saturated in groundwater indefinitely."

"The Trump administration is moving to approve a controversial program in Alabama that could allow millions of tons of toxic coal ash to remain buried in place alongside the state’s rivers, even though much of that material is sitting in groundwater where it can leach into the environment. 

The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday announced a proposal to approve Alabama’s coal ash permitting program, letting the state oversee the closure of coal ash ponds at its major power plants. It is the same proposal rejected by the Biden administration in 2024 for failing to meet federal standards.

Alabama Power, which operates six major coal ash ponds throughout the state, said it is reviewing the EPA’s proposed approval of Alabama’s permit program. 

“We remain committed to complying with all state and federal environmental rules and regulations,” the company said in a statement."

Dennis Pillion reports for Inside Climate News July 14, 2026. [2]