EPA Greenlights North Dakota's Coal Ash Cleanup Overhaul
Published Date: 8/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is planning to approve North Dakota’s updated plan for handling coal waste, giving the state more control over its cleanup and safety rules. This affects power plants and communities near coal waste sites, aiming to keep the environment safer without extra costs right now. The EPA is reopening the comment period, so folks have more time to share their thoughts before the plan is finalized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
State Gains Control Over Coal Waste
On May 16, 2025, EPA proposed to approve North Dakota’s updated Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) partial permit program under RCRA. If finalized, North Dakota would have additional authority to implement and enforce a State CCR permit program, which the document says affects power plants and communities near coal waste sites and aims to keep the environment safer without extra costs right now. EPA is reopening the comment period to accept public comments on these proposed revisions before any final decision.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11047 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15142 — Special Local Regulation; Galveston Channel, Galveston, TX
The Coast Guard wants to keep the Galveston Channel safe during an annual boat parade every 3rd Saturday in September by blocking off the area to anyone not in the parade. If you’re not part of the event, you can’t enter without special permission. This rule helps protect everyone on the water and keeps the fun flowing smoothly!
Next: 2025-15199 — Proposed Amendment of Class C Airspace at Jacksonville International Airport, FL; Public Meeting
Jacksonville International Airport wants to change its Class C airspace to improve how planes fly around the area. They’re holding a public meeting to hear what pilots and locals think before making any official rules. If you fly or live nearby, this could affect you soon, so get ready to share your thoughts!