EPA Proposes Approving Virginia’s Coal Ash Permit Program
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The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to let Virginia take over the permitting process for coal ash disposal sites. Right now, the federal government sets the baseline rules for how coal ash must be managed. Under this proposal, Virginia’s own permit system would step in to handle day-to-day oversight, as long as it meets federal minimum standards.
Why it matters: This is largely an administrative transfer of oversight authority. If approved, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality would issue and renew coal ash disposal permits instead of the EPA. For most people, the practical effect is minimal unless they live near a coal ash site, work in waste management, or monitor environmental compliance. The change does not alter the underlying safety standards; it simply shifts which agency signs the paperwork.
Who it affects
- Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and its coal ash permitting staff
This notice comes from the EPA’s Federal Register filing for docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2025-3325; readers should review the full proposed rule and supplementary information on regulations.gov before relying on it.
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Source: Federal Register — read the official document