Fighting For Protections From Coal Ash

For decades, coal ash has polluted our waters and our communities. We will not let polluter profits triumph over public health.

Case Overview

Coal ash, the toxic remains of coal burning in power plants, is full of chemicals that cause cancer, developmental disorders and reproductive problems. It poisons our water and kills fish and wildlife. But despite the threat, both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the White House have done little to protect the waters we drink from coal ash contamination.

After our long court battle to get the first-ever federal safeguards on coal ash dumps, these hard-won protections are now endangered. The Trump administration is now moving to pull back the protections outlined in a settlement Earthjustice won on behalf of ten public interest groups and the Moapa Band of Paiutes.

We fight in the courts for a long-term solution to this toxic menace: strong, enforceable federal rules protecting our water and our health from exposure to toxic coal ash pollution. And we act on behalf of dozens of clients and coalition partners to defeat legislative attempts to subvert federally enforceable safeguards of coal ash

We need strong safeguards that protect our health and our environment. Polluters don’t want to clean up their toxic mess and are pressuring the EPA and Congress to ignore this growing problem. But together, we can illuminate the coal ash problem and push decision-makers to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.

The devastating coal ash spill in Kingston, TN, in December of 2008.
The devastating coal ash spill in Kingston, TN, in December of 2008. (Photo by Tennessee Valley Authority)

Case Updates

March 25, 2025 In the News: WOSU Public Media

Coal companies want a relaxation of coal ash standards. The EPA may give it to them.

Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice: “What has been proven over and over again is that the industry can deploy the best science and the best technology, continue to have a very profitable business model, while affording us all of the collective benefits, including economic benefits, of a clean and healthy environment.”

March 24, 2025 In the News: Maryland Matters

Maryland could lock in Biden-era coal ash rules, as Trump EPA considers rollbacks

Lisa Evans, Senior Counsel, Clean Energy Program: “I’m thrilled to see that Maryland is stepping up, because we’re going to need the states to hold the line and enforce the federal rule. In a couple of years, those federal regulations may not be on the books.”

March 24, 2025 In the News: Grist

Power companies would rather not clean their toxic messes. Trump’s EPA is granting their wish.

Lisa Evans, Senior Counsel, Clean Energy Program: “Utilities have gamed the system at some plants by designing monitoring systems that intentionally miss detecting leakage from a coal ash dump.”