CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency is considering rolling back its coal-ash rules to save utility companies money.
The agency set Monday as a deadline for public comments on the proposed changes.
The plan would give states more power to include:
- Establish requirements for how facilities respond to and remediate releases from coal ash ponds.
- Establish groundwater protection standards.
Critics said the state's handling of the Dan River spill in 2014 is an example of why federal regulation is so important.
A Duke Energy spokesperson said the company appreciates the EPA's proposal, which would ensure common-sense and cost-effective solutions that protect the environment.
Cox Media Group