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Federal government considers transferring coal ash management responsibilities to Wyoming authorities

Wyoming's proposed legislation aims to grant the state authority over coal ash, yet environmental advocates claim that the state's ash ponds are polluting the groundwater.

, and Administrator

2025 September 8 . 8:19 AM

1 min read

Federal administration suggests transferring responsibility for coal ash management to Wyoming... — Federal administration suggests transferring responsibility for coal ash management to Wyoming state authorities

Federal government considers transferring coal ash management responsibilities to Wyoming authorities

In a significant move towards cooperative federalism, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Wyoming's Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) program. This program grants Wyoming primary regulatory control over its 19 coal ash dumps and landfills.

The decision comes as coal ash, a substantial waste stream in the U.S., is recognised as one of the nation's largest industrial waste streams by volume. This waste stream, composed of heavy metals like cadmium and mercury, poses potential environmental and health risks.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed the approval, stating that it is a win for cooperative federalism and an advancement in smart permitting reform. Zeldin further added that the approval aims to provide the regulatory certainty needed for industry investment and job creation, and is intended to help unleash American energy responsibly.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality presented the proposal to transfer the regulation of waste sites and coal ash landfills in Wyoming. The EPA's approval is based on the department's assurance that it has sufficient staff and funding to take on this role effectively.

The approval is seen as a step towards responsible energy production, as it ensures that the management of coal ash, a waste stream that includes heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury, is handled in a manner that prioritises safety and environmental protection.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the management of coal ash waste in the U.S., and it is hoped that it will pave the way for similar approvals in other states, promoting a more sustainable and responsible approach to energy production.