Wheeler Suspends Protections from Toxic Coal Ash

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency said today that it is delaying important safeguards from the toxic waste festering in about 2,000 dangerous coal ash ponds. EPA is eliminating testing requirements and allowing industry to continue operating storage pits that can leak into the groundwater of the neighboring communities.

The following is a statement by Rebecca Hammer, deputy director for federal water policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

"In his first action as head of the EPA, Andrew Wheeler is giving his former clients in the coal industry a pass on having to clean up their toxic waste. So much for his promise to protect clean air and water.

“This action means families across the nation will be exposed to greater risks of cancer and other illnesses.

“Scott Pruitt may be gone, but Wheeler is showing he intends to pursue the same pro-polluter agenda.”

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.​