Donald Trump Forgoes Enforcement of Toxic Coal Ash - CleanTechnica

The article reports that under Donald Trump’s administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted polluters a 33-month extension—double the previously proposed duration—to clean up coal ash dump sites. This decision delays enforcement of coal ash cleanup standards designed to prevent toxic substances like mercury, lead, and arsenic from contaminating water sources. The Sierra Club strongly criticized this move, condemning it as prioritizing polluters’ interests over public health and environmental safety. Laurie Williams, Director of the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign, emphasized that the extension allows companies to "cut corners" and postpone compliance with commonsense regulations, thereby endangering communities. The Sierra Club, as the largest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S., continues to advocate for clean energy, public health, and environmental protection through activism and legal efforts. The article highlights the ongoing tension between environmental advocacy groups and regulatory decisions under the Trump administration regarding toxic coal ash management.