Federal regulators this week proposed a rule that would loosen restrictions on the storage of toxic waste that is created by burning coal to produce electricity, a move that critics say favors industry interests over public health.
By Grace van Deelen
Seven years after US regulators set what were supposed to be strict rules for the disposal of coal ash—a toxic mix of metals such as arsenic and lead generated by coal-burning power plants—the vast majority of coal power plants are continuing to allow coal ash contamination of groundwater at levels considered unsafe, according to environmental advocacy groups.