Alabama environmental advocates urge EPA not to change coal ash rules: ‘do more, not less’
People can still comment on the proposed changes until June 12, which affect how toxic sludge in the state is regulated.
Mason Reed 
Alabama environmental advocates are sounding the alarm, warning that local residents could face serious health risks if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proceeds with plans to alter regulations for coal ash. During a recent hearing, critics argued that the proposed changes would weaken disposal standards, potentially exposing communities to dangerous toxins like arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Public Feedback Period Closing
The EPA, which held an all-day hearing on the matter last week, has received over 24,000 comments regarding the proposal. Concerned citizens still have until June 12 to submit their feedback online. Advocates like Eva Dillard, an attorney for the Birmingham-based Black Warrior Riverkeeper, emphasized the stakes, stating, “We know with certainty more people will get sick and die.”
The Legacy of Coal Ash
Coal ash is the byproduct of burning coal for energy, often stored in large, vulnerable mounds near power plants. The danger is well-documented; following the 2008 Kingston Coal Ash spill in Tennessee, dozens of cleanup workers died and hundreds more developed chronic illnesses. Beyond high-profile spills, environmentalists warn that leaching into groundwater poses a significant, ongoing threat to drinking water sources.
Alabama’s Infrastructure
Alabama currently houses nine coal ash sites containing approximately 117 million tons of material. Alabama Power oversees three critical sites within the Black Warrior River watershed, including the Miller Steam Plant, the retired Gorgas plant, and the Greene County facility. Dillard argues that rolling back regulations would be a disaster for the region, noting that the agency is effectively reconsidering policies it previously rejected in 2024.
Corporate and Legal Responses
In response to the mounting pressure, Alabama Power spokesperson Alyson Tucker stated that the company remains committed to a rigorous compliance program and federal regulations. Meanwhile, the debate continues to play out in court. Mobile Baykeeper is currently involved in a lawsuit against Alabama Power regarding the Barry Steam Plant, where an appellate court recently ruled the case can proceed. Cade Kistler, a Baykeeper advocate, warned that proposed monitoring changes could allow utilities to avoid detecting pollution at the source.
What Happens Next?
The proposed federal amendments would impact different sites in varying ways, including the potential elimination of regulations for certain management units and the introduction of “site-specific” determinations. Nick Torrey of the Southern Environmental Law Center warns that this shift essentially creates a loophole for utilities to bypass uniform national standards, a sentiment shared by those demanding the EPA maintain stricter oversight.
