US environmental regulators confirm new rules for old coal ash dumps start in November
What happened
US environmental regulators are correcting minor errors in a rule about how to manage old coal ash dumps. The rule, which sets requirements for these sites, will officially take effect on November 8, 2024.
Why it matters
The US has hundreds of old coal ash ponds, many of which are unlined and pose environmental risks. This rule forces utilities to address these legacy sites, which were previously exempt from stricter regulations. It means that companies can no longer ignore the environmental liabilities of their oldest coal ash storage.
The signal
Watch for the first enforcement actions or remediation plans filed by utilities after the November 8 effective date, especially for sites near water sources.