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.
FULL STORY: EPA Moves to Ease Coal Plant Wastewater Rules, Raising Questions for Compliance Work
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association