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Power plants are one of the biggest sources of water pollution in the country. Power plant water discharges are filled with toxic pollution such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Photo)
Press Release May 14, 2026

Trump’s EPA Moves to Ax Requirement that Coal Plants Treat Toxic Wastewater Seeping into Lakes and Rivers

EPA proposes to rollback requirements on the amount of arsenic and mercury that coal power plants are allowed to discharge
In the News: The Rapid City Post January 21, 2026

Trump’s coal agenda could cut worker productivity, lifetime earnings

In the News: The Southern Maryland Chronicle January 13, 2026

EPA Delays Coal Plant Wastewater Rules

Power plants are one of the biggest sources of water pollution in the country. Power plant water discharges are filled with toxic pollution such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Photo)
Press Release December 24, 2025

Trump Administration’s EPA Dumps Wastewater Treatment Standards for Coal-fired Power Plants

EPA issues rule to allow ongoing release of toxic chemicals into sources of drinking water for more than 30 million Americans
The Mitchell Power Plant, a coal-fired power station, along the Ohio River in Moundsville, West Virginia. (Lauren Petracca for Earthjustice)
From the Experts October 10, 2025

Trump Administration Threatens Wastewater Treatment Standards for Coal-fired Power Plants

Coal-fired power plants discharge toxic chemicals into sources of drinking water for more than 30 million Americans.
In the News: Inside EPA January 28, 2025

GOP States, Utilities Seek ELG Filing Extension, Citing Trump Energy EO

document May 30, 2024

Petition for Review of ELGs

Earthjustice petition for review of wastewater treatment standards for coal-fired power plants (ELGs) filed May 30, 2024. Earthjustice is challenging the 2034 retirement loophole and weaker standards for what the…
In the News: Energy News Network April 25, 2024

New EPA rules close a ‘huge loophole’ on coal ash, forcing wide-scale cleanup, advocates say

In the News: Chicago Tribune April 25, 2024

Biden EPA aims to speed up demise of coal-fired power plants

Power plants are one of the biggest sources of water pollution in the country. Power plant water discharges are filled with toxic pollution such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Photo)
From the Experts: Victory April 25, 2024

EPA Finalized New Wastewater Treatment Standards for Coal-fired Power Plants

A 15-year legal fight to curb toxic wastewater to protect drinking water.
A coal ash pond full of dead trees lies adjacent to Duke Energy's Buck Steam Station in Dukeville, N.C., in 2016. (Chuck Burton / AP)
Press Release: Victory April 25, 2024

Earthjustice Applauds EPA for Historic Suite of Safeguards from Power Plant Pollution

Standards will tackle major sources of climate pollution and protect public health
The John Amos Power Plant, a coal utility company located on the Kanawha River in West Virginia. (Joe Sohm / Getty Images)
Press Release: Victory March 8, 2023

EPA Proposes Improved Wastewater Treatment Standards for Coal-fired Power Plants

A legal victory decades in the making, the EPA will require modern wastewater treatment at all remaining coal-fired plants
In the News: E&E News June 14, 2021

Coal plants rush to flush under Trump EPA rule

document November 2, 2020

ELG Petition for Review

Pursuant to Section 509(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1369(b)(1), and Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 15(a), Clean Water Action, Environmental Integrity Project, Sierra Club, Waterkeeper Alliance,…
A coal-fired power plant in central Wyoming. (Greg Goebel / CC BY-SA 2.0)
From the Experts November 2, 2020

Stopping the EPA’s Attack on Clean Water Protections

Earthjustice files a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's giveaway to the coal power industry.
document November 4, 2019

ELG Rule Fact Sheet

Proposed Rule Would Allow Utilities To Continue To Use Outdated, Ineffective Water Treatment
Wet disposal of coal ash waste poses a serious threat of groundwater pollution. (Alexis Bonogofsky)
Press Release November 4, 2019

Trump EPA Proposes Another Rollback to Health Protections from Toxic Power Plant Pollution

Trump Administration announces plan to requirements for treating toxic wastewater from coal-fired power plants
A coal-fired power plant in central Wyoming. (Greg Goebel / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Press Release: Victory April 15, 2019

Federal Appeals Court Orders EPA to Strengthen Rule on Toxic Power Plant Wastewater

EPA must update guidelines for reducing pollution from steam-electric power plants