The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) may not operate a coal ash permitting program because it is less protective of people and waterways than federal regulations require.
A federal lawsuit filed by the Mobile Baykeeper against Alabama Power has been dismissed without prejudice. The lawsuit claimed the power company’s plan to leave 21 million tons of coal ash at a plant north of Mobile would allow pollutants to seep into public waters.
Alabama Power has agreed to have conversations with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency concerning what to do about coal ash at the James Barry Plant in Bucks.
The Biden administration is celebrating a proposed denial of Alabama’s ability to manage coal ash.
An Alabama environmental group announced on Wednesday its intent to file a lawsuit against Alabama Power, in response to plans for coal ash on the banks of the Mobile River.