"The Trump administration on Thursday proposed weakening rules for the disposal of ash produced by burning coal that can contain hazardous heavy metals and contaminate groundwater. Those regulations were strengthened under the Biden administration as part of a wider crackdown on pollution from coal-fired power plants.

The Trump administration proposed easing standards for monitoring and protecting groundwater near some coal ash sites, and rolling back rules that require the cleanup of entire coal properties rather than just the sites where ash was dumped. The revisions would also make it easier to reuse coal ash for other purposes.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the proposal reflects the agency’s “commitment to restoring American energy dominance, strengthening cooperative federalism, and accommodating unique circumstances at certain (coal) facilities.”"

Michael Phillis and Alexa St. John report for the Associated Press April 9, 2026. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Trump Administration Proposes More Flexible Regulations For Coal Plants’ Toxic Waste Disposal" (The Hill) [3]

"In a Boost to Coal, E.P.A. Moves to End Biden’s Toxic Ash Disposal Rules" (New York Times) [4]

"Unpacking Trump’s Use of Emergency Powers to Prop Up Coal" (Inside Climate (Inside Climate News) [5]

"US Agency Proposes Rolling Back Rules For Safe Disposal Of Toxic Coal Ash" (Guardian) [6]