First: Oklahoma Can Regulate its Own Coal Ash

Oklahoma will now be able to regulate coal ash disposal without answering to federal regulators.

1 minute read

June 21, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Coal-Fired Power Plant

Svineyard / Shutterstock

Justin Wingerter reports: "Oklahoma will become the first state in the nation to oversee coal ash disposal within its borders, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday, a decision that pleased utility companies and worried environmentalists."

"The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has regulated coal ash for more than two decades under federal rules. It will now fully take over the permitting process, issue notices, assess penalties and suspend or revoke permits," adds Wingerter.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, former attorney general of Oklahoma, sent out a statement praising the new policy, calling it historic. The article also includes statements from environmentalists who oppose the decision.

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