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The aftermath of the devastating coal ash spill at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant near Kingston, Tenn., in 2008. More than 1 billion gallons of toxic coal ash sludge burst from a dam, sweeping away homes and contaminating two rivers. (Dot Griffith/ Appalachian Voice via United Mountain Defense)
feature May 23, 2023

Coal Ash Contaminates Our Lives

Coal ash is what is left behind when power plants burn coal for energy, It is a toxic mix of carcinogens, neurotoxins, and other hazardous pollutants.

In the News: WHYY May 22, 2023

Philadelphia changed how it regulates toxic air pollution. Here are 3 things to know

Charles McPhedran, Attorney, Clean Energy Program, Earthjustice: “Cumulative impacts reflect the full range of actual risk from a polluting source. That’s how we understand the risk the people are actually exposed to.”

In the News: Clean Technica May 18, 2023

Vermont Legislature Pushes For End To Polluting Heating Equipment

Sasan Saadat, Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Clean Energy Program: “What’s missing from that message is an honest assessment of how scant the supply of sustainable RNG is and how risky the potential is that RNG could actually increase climate impacts.”

Induction stoves offer quicker, hotter cooking experiences with no side of gas pollution. (Halfpoint Images / Getty Images)
From the Experts May 18, 2023

It’s Time for Governor Moore to Go Big on Climate Action

Maryland has proposed history-making legislation that could make the state a leader in climate action

feature May 17, 2023

Coal Ash in the United States: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Earthjustice analyzed industry data to explain, state by state, how and where coal ash is disposed and which dump sites are not yet monitored or regulated.

Map of power plant sites across the United States that have currently regulated and / or legacy coal ash units. (Caroline Weinberg / Earthjustice)
feature May 17, 2023

Where are Coal Ash Dump Sites?

Use this map to understand where coal ash might be stored near you.

Coal ash pollution in the Arrowhead Landfill in Perry County, Alabama. (John Wathen)
Update May 17, 2023

EPA Closes Toxic Coal Ash Loophole – But Not Entirely

Public comment can push the agency to make sure no community remains unprotected from this toxic waste menace.

The now-closed Waukegan Generating Station, on the shore of Lake Michigan in Waukegan, Ill. The coal-fired power plant still has sizable coal ash ponds threatening the environment. (Jamie Kelter Davis for Earthjustice)
Press Release: Victory May 17, 2023

EPA Publishes Draft Rule to Expand Regulation of Toxic Coal Ash

Revisions to the rule address hundreds of legacy dumpsites previously excluded from safeguards

The former Crist Power Plant near Pensacola, Florida, in 2022. (Art Wager / Getty Images)
Update May 11, 2023

Why Carbon Pollution Standards for Power Plants Matter

The EPA has announced new carbon pollution standards for power plants. Here’s what’s at stake.

Empire State Building and Manhattan skyline, New York City. (Matteo Colombo / Getty Images)
Update May 5, 2023

These Four States Just Got a Lot Closer to a Zero-Emissions Future

We’re celebrating big clean energy victories in California, Maryland, Colorado, and New York.

The aftermath of the devastating coal ash spill at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant near Kingston, Tenn., in 2008. More than 1 billion gallons of toxic coal ash sludge burst from a dam, sweeping away homes and contaminating two rivers. (Dot Griffith/ Appalachian Voice via United Mountain Defense)
feature May 4, 2023

Tennessee Valley Authority’s Toxic Coal Ash: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. The quasi-public utility, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), has a total of 56 coal ash dumpsites in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

A five-story pile of coal ash lies next to the AES-PR power plant in the southern town of Guayama, Puerto Rico. (Mabette Colón)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash in Puerto Rico: The Hazardous Legacy of the AES-PR Coal Plant

Applied Energy Services continues to contaminate the air, soil, and water in Puerto Rico with toxic coal ash.

The NIPSCO R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield, Indiana, in 2018. (Alex Garcia for Earthjustice)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash Near the Great Lakes: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. There are 88 coal ash dumpsites within two miles of one of the Great Lakes.

The Naughton Power Plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in 2010. (Nancy Nehring / Getty Images)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash in Wyoming: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. Wyoming has 26 coal ash dumpsites.

The Fort Martin coal-fired power station near Morgantown in West Virginia, in 2020. (Getty Images)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash in West Virginia: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. West Virginia has 49 coal ash dumpsites.

The J. P. Pulliam Generating Station on Fox River in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 2017. (James G Brey / Getty Images)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash in Wisconsin: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. Wisconsin has 54 coal ash dumpsites.

Dominion Virginia Power's coal ash pond at Possum Point, Virginia. (Potomac Riverkeepers)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash in Virginia: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. Virginia has 36 coal ash dumpsites.

The Hunter coal-fired power plant outside Castle Dale, Utah, in 2016. (George Frey / Getty Images)
feature May 4, 2023

Toxic Coal Ash in Utah: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy

Coal ash is leaching unsafe levels of toxic pollutants into groundwater at 91% of coal plants. Utah has 14 coal ash dumpsites