The agency says the revisions to wastewater regulations — which critics call dangerous to human health — will decrease energy production costs by $1.1 billion annually.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revisions to wastewater requirements governing coal-fired power plants, rescinding treatment requirements associated with unmanaged combustion residual leachate, or wastewater linked to coal ash disposal sites. The agency says the move will decrease costs of electricity generation. Critics say it puts humans and the environment at risk.
Engineering News-Record reports:
"'This is another example of the Trump administration endangering the health of Americans as a favor to corporate polluters,' said Earthjustice attorney Thom Cmar. 'This plan would eliminate safeguards on hundreds of millions of pounds of wastewater with neurotoxins and cancer-causing contaminants.'"
According to Engineering News-Record, the EPA estimates the change could decrease electricity generation costs by up to $1.1 billion annually, arguing that "growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers 'cannot be met under the overly restrictive policies of past administrations.'"
The EPA is accepting comments from the public for 30 days. Read the full story below.
Read the full story: EPA Moves to Ease Coal Plant Wastewater Rules, Raising Questions for Compliance Work
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