As feds suggest easing coal ash clean up regulations, Va. maintains stringent standards

By: Shannon Heckt

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: April 21, 2026

Words: 859

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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In a continued push to revamp the coal industry, President Donald Trump’s administration recently renewed their push to ease clean up requirements for the toxic ash that is leftover from burning coal.

Conservation groups say the move could increase the risk of increased groundwater contaminations. But in Virginia, state laws strictly regulate how the cleanup of coal ash is managed at certain sites.

Proposed federal rule change

Earlier this month, the Environmental …

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