EPA Proposes Approving Louisiana's Program for Managing Coal Ash Disposal Sites

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to let Louisiana manage its own permitting process for coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash. Under current federal rules, the EPA handles these permits directly in states that do not have their own approved program. This proposal would shift that responsibility to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for a partial set of sites.

Why it matters: This action determines who writes the rules and issues permits for coal ash landfills and surface impoundments in Louisiana. For facility operators, it means dealing with state regulators instead of federal ones for covered sites. For residents near these sites, it means the environmental review process will follow state procedures, provided the EPA finds them equivalent to federal protections.

Who it affects

• Coal-fired power plants and other facilities that generate coal ash in Louisiana

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This is a proposed rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published in the Federal Register; readers should check the original document at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2025-3324 before relying on any details.

Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Source: Federal Register — read the official document