Coal Ash is Hazardous Waste and Must Be Regulated Now
Coal ash is one of our nation's most common waste products. Nearly 600 coal ash ponds in 35 states and hundreds of landfills hold enough coal ash to flow continuously over Niagara Falls for more than three days straight.
Last year, a coal ash pond in Tennessee burst through a poorly constructed dam, sending 1 billion gallons of toxic ash over 300 acres. The spill damaged homes and poisoned rivers and water supplies. Yet right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says they are at least 48 other coal ash sites that could pose a similar threat of catastrophic collapse!
Despite the known threat to our health and environment, coal ash dumps remain unregulated by the EPA -- and coal and power industry lobbyists are using all their might to misinform and misguide federal regulators.
Fortunately, we have the opportunity to finally regulate one of our nation's biggest toxic threats. Urge President Obama to regulate coal ash as a hazardous waste and use the full extent of the law to protect our health and environment.
Dear President Obama,
Coal ash is one of our nation's most abundant waste products. Nearly 600 coal ash ponds in 35 states and hundreds of landfills hold enough coal ash to flow continuously over Niagara Falls for more than three days straight. This waste is currently unregulated by the federal government and poses a significant threat to our health and environment.
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Just before you took office, a coal ash pond in Tennessee burst through a poorly constructed dam, sending 1 billion gallons of toxic coal ash over 300 acres. That spill damaged dozens of homes and poisoned rivers and water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that there are at least 48 other coal ash sites that could pose a similar threat of catastrophic collapse, potentially involving loss of life.
I know that lobbyists on behalf of the coal and power industries have met with staff in the Office of Management and Budget about coal ash regulations. They are spreading rumors and false information about coal ash that is impeding the EPA's ability to regulate this hazardous material.
You have an opportunity to finally regulate one of our nation's most common toxic threats. Communities across the country want strong regulations that designate coal ash as hazardous waste. Please act now and propose federal coal ash regulations.
