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Andrew Rehn looks at toxic coal ash waste seepage on the shore of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.
(Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune / TNS via Getty Images)
Press Release: Victory June 8, 2023

Court Approves Plan to Clean Up Coal Ash at the Retired Vermilion Plant in Illinois

Consent order requires Dynegy Midwest Generation to move coal ash to a new on-site landfill to protect the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River

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 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

Press Release: Victory January 25, 2023

EPA Moves to Reject Six Coal Plants’ Applications to Keep Toxic Coal Ash Dumps Open

EPA found that the six plants failed to prove that their coal ash ponds were not leaking and not contaminating groundwater

The devastating coal ash spill at Kingston, TN in December 2008. One billion gallons of toxic coal ash spilled from the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston Fossil Plant, covering 300 acres, destroying homes, poisoning rivers and contaminating coves and residential drinking waters.
(Photo courtesy of TVA)
Press Release November 3, 2022

New Report: Most Power Plants Violating Federal Rules Mandating Cleanup of Toxic Coal Ash Dumps

Seven years after EPA Coal Ash Rule, 96% of coal plants are not planning any treatment of contaminated groundwater

Press Release August 25, 2022

EPA Faces Lawsuit for Exempting Half a Billion Tons of Toxic Coal Ash from Health Protections

Environmental & civil rights groups say hundreds of landfills in 38 states risk sources of drinking water & air

Press Release January 31, 2022

Earthjustice Responds to AES-Puerto Rico Seeking Taxpayer Bailout

AES-PR has been working to transfer the ownership and expense of its coal plant to Puerto Rico's public utility PREPA.

Press Release January 18, 2022

U.S. Court of Appeals Hears Arguments on the Legality of Oklahoma’s Coal Ash Program

Concerned Oklahomans are challenging the EPA’s approval of the state’s coal ash program.

Press Release January 11, 2022

Biden Administration Announces Crackdown on Coal Power Plants’ Contamination of Water

This marks the first federal enforcement action against the coal industry’s illegal pollution of groundwater from coal ash.

Press Release December 3, 2021

NRG Energy to Hold Public Meetings On Its Plan to Leave Dangerous Coal Ash On Location

This meeting presents an opportunity for the public to participate in the management of coal ash at Lincoln Stone Quarry, which the utility has proposed to “cap-in-place.”

Press Release July 29, 2021

Report: Cleaning Up Toxic Coal Ash Creates Local Jobs, Protects Public Health, and Restores the Environment

Analysis by economists and environmental engineers demonstrates removing ash is better than the cap-in-place method

Press Release June 29, 2021

AES Puerto Rico and LUMA Energy Refuse to Testify at Congressional Hearing Investigating AES Coal Plant

The companies won’t show up at hearing that probes severe contamination and harm caused to local communities near Guayama plant and coal ash waste pile

Press Release June 22, 2021

Interim Agreement Reached on Protecting the Middle Fork of the Vermilion

Environmental groups cautiously optimistic, remain vigilant

Press Release: Victory April 16, 2021

Illinois Coal Ash Rule Will Clean Up Coal’s Dirty Legacy

The final rule ensures a safer, healthier future for Illinoisans

Press Release April 8, 2021

New Legislation to Ensure Safe Disposal of Toxic Coal Ash Introduced in Congress

Coal ash is linked to serious health problems and threatens drinking water supplies

Press Release February 11, 2021

Environmental Groups: State’s Coal Ash Proposal a Good Start

Proposed changes to Illinois Coal Ash Rule incorporate groups’ input on monitoring, public participation, environmental justice

The devastating coal ash spill at Kingston, TN in December 2008. One billion gallons of toxic coal ash spilled from the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston Fossil Plant, covering 300 acres, destroying homes, poisoning rivers and contaminating coves and residential drinking waters.
(Photo courtesy of TVA)
Press Release October 16, 2020

Trump Administration Further Weakens Coal Ash Protections

Trump administration’s new Part B rule circumvents court order to close all toxic coal ash ponds without a liner made of plastic and clay