Tell EPA to protect our health from dirty coal ash January 23, 2026

In the Trump administration’s latest attempt to revive the coal industry, EPA wants to delay closure deadlines for coal ash ponds. The same facilities creating the coal ash are also being granted the opportunity to continue operating past their planned retirement dates.

For decades, utilities disposed of coal ash — the hazardous substance left after burning coal — by dumping it in unlined ponds and landfills. Across the US, coal ash dump sites are leaking dangerous levels of toxic pollutants into our soil and groundwater. These pollutants have been linked to cancer, heart and thyroid disease, damage to the reproductive system, and neurological harm. 

Note: If you are a health professional, please check “yes” in the box indicating that you are an expert.

Coal ash ponds, like the fossil fuel power plants that create them, are disproportionately stored in low-income communities and communities of color. The longer we fail to take action to control toxic coal ash, the more difficult the cleanup becomes and health will not be spared in the meantime. Tell the EPA to revoke this dangerous proposal.