The Environmental Protection Agency has made the controversial decision to pull the coal-ash deadline rule that was implemented during the Biden administration, thanks to severe pushback from industry leaders in the coal sector. The EPA announced it would remove the direct final rule titled “Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; CCR Management Unit Deadline Extension Rule,” which was published on July 22, 2025. Industry insiders have praised the change, while environmental groups have voiced their concerns.
The EPA is doing everything it can to revitalize the coal sector in the United States
During his first term, Donald Trump stated that he would “drill baby, drill”. At the time, what he meant by that was a mystery. However, once he began his second term, the meaning behind that statement became clearer. Trump wants to revitalize the coal sector, particularly in the United States. His administration, led by his EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, has now stated that they will roll back the coal-ash rules implemented by the Obama administration.
In 2015, the Obama administration finalized long-sought federal rules for disposing of coal ash, which is a byproduct of incineration at coal-fired power plants. That rule aimed to prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water by establishing technical guidelines for power plants’ coal ash disposal. During his first term, the Trump administration did little to enforce those rules, and now plans to remove the regulatory barriers that the rule imposes.
Utility companies were ordered to report coal ash contamination in groundwater to the EPA by February 2026. As well as install groundwater monitoring systems by May 2028. They were also required to begin drafting remediation plans if contamination was found.
The EPA has shifted its stance to allow for more state involvement
On July 19, the Trump-led EPA announced it would extend the deadline for utility companies to address the rules by at least one more year. The EPA stated that it aims to put more power in the different states’ hands, as opposed to keeping the rules tightly wound up by the federal government. Which has not gone down well with environmentalists.
“Trump tried and failed to bail out the coal industry during his first term in office. Given the realities of the market, whatever he tries to do this time should fail as well.… Instead of trying to prop up the fuels of the last century, this administration should be working to build the grid needed for the 21st century.” – Christy Walsh, a senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council
A court has intervened in the Duke coal-ash cleanup, which only strengthens the stance being championed by the current administration. The EPA released a statement on the matter.
“Due to the receipt of adverse comment, the EPA is withdrawing the direct final rule titled “Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; CCR Management Unit Deadline Extension Rule,” which published on July 22, 2025 (90 FR 34358).” – United States Environmental Protection Agency
The federal government is doing everything in its considerable power to strengthen the coal sector
The United States is heavily dependent on coal. Despite the advancements being made in the renewable energy sector, the Trump administration has led the federal government to completely change the stance and perception of the coal industry. Following the hearing on 12 September, the EPA has made the decision to repeal the coal-ash rule that the Obama administration implemented. One questions what the long-term effects might be on the climate; however, industry insiders will welcome the warm embrace that the new administration has brought to the sector. It appears that coal is going nowhere.
