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BACKGROUND
In 2008, a dam at a coal ash storage impoundment operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority failed, resulting in a significant spill. Although the problem was the integrity of the dam and although only some coal ash is stored in impoundments (some of it is stored in landfills and coal mines and much is beneficially reused), EPA is using this incident to justify its regulation of coal ash. EPA is considering this hazardous waste designation action despite having issued final regulatory determinations in 1993 and 2000 that concluded that CCRs do not represent hazardous waste. Under one of the two regulatory proposals that EPA is considering, CCRs would be regulated under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Classifying CCRs as hazardous waste will have significant consequences on electricity
Subtitle C compliance costs for electric utilities would be in the conservative range of at least $55 billion to $77 billion. The EPA itself estimates the average regulatory cost, for the next 50 years, to be almost $1.5 billion a year. TAKE ACTION Other estimates have found that the price tag could run up to $20 billion annually. Bryan Introduce ALEC model legislation that Hannegan, Vice President of the environmental addresses the Coal Ash Rule: sector for the Electric Power Research Institute, Resolution opposing EPAs Regulatory sees a risk that 250 to 350 coal units could be Train Wreck shut down, in an extreme scenario, and drive State Regulatory Responsibility Act up the cost of electricity. Resolution to Retain State Authority over Coal Ash as Non-Hazardous Waste WHY IS THIS UNNECESSARY? Write focused, joint letters to members of Congress In its own studies over the years, the EPA found Write an op-ed or pursue other press that it was inappropriate to designate coal ash opportunities highlighting the impact of this as a hazardous waste. By doing so now, and regulation. without the science or cost-benefit analyses to back up the change, the EPA is taking action For more information about the EPAs Coal Ash that will cost billions of dollars and potentially Rule, contact Todd Wynn, Director of ALECs reduce electricity reliability for no justifiable Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task reason. If, as is stated in numerous government Force, at 202.742.8542 or twynn@alec.org and private studies, coal ash does not have
For more information and sources please visit www.RegulatoryTrainWreck.com
1996-2000
2001-2005
1971-1975
EPA regulation of coal combustion residues would supersede existing state regulatory authority, impose overly stringent federal regulations and threaten a growing and robust recycling industry. The states that have coal fired utilities have been regulating and managing coal ash for years without the need for a federal program.
2006-2009
1966-1970
1976-1980
1981-1985
1986-1990
1991-1995
PERCENTAGE RECYCLED