EPA proposes major rollbacks in response to industry wish-list

After the administration change following the election in 2024, a group of utilities and an industry lobbying group called the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group sent letters to EPA’s prospective leader, Lee Zeldin, with their wish-list for rolling back parts of the 2015 and 2024 rules. In April, the EPA announced a proposed rule that would essentially gut the 2024 legacy regulations and also roll back key elements of the 2015 regulation, fulfilling much of that industry wish-list. 

It’s incomprehensible to see the protections that people died fighting for threatened to be erased because of EPA’s deference to an industry that puts profit over people’s safety. This action could expose more generations of families to rampant coal ash pollution, and real and lasting harm. 

Take action to stop EPA’s rollbacks

It’s up to all of us to carry the mantle of the coal ash workers and advocates who have gone before us and the ones who are still battling for coal ash safety after decades in this fight. You can help by taking action to speak out to EPA during the comment period for the proposed rollback rule: 

• Sign up for EPA’s Virtual Hearing on May 28 
• Provide a personalized comment to the EPA 
• Sign our petition to the EPA

We are deeply committed to this fight, and we’ll keep sharing ways to get involved.

In memory of those we’ve lost: More than 60 Kingston coal ash workers plus family members, including Ansol Clark, Tommy Johnson, Doug Bledsoe, and Ernest and Patsy Hickman. East Tennessee champions for coal ash safety and worker justice, including John Stewart, Fran Ansley, Helen DeHaven and Barbara Hickey. 

Special thanks to the fierce advocates in the Kingston Coal Ash Worker Protection Group who carry on in the fight: Janie Clark, Julie Bledsoe, Betty Johnson, Jessica Waller Downs, Bonnie Swinford, June Rostan, Sharon Todd, Tabatha Breeden and Gabi Lichtenstein