And we’ll show you two ways to help. Together, we can be a voice for change and protect Michigan’s land, air, water, public health, and democracy.
The Trump EPA has proposed a sweeping rollback of federal coal ash safeguards that would put drinking water, public health, and frontline communities at serious risk. This proposal would gut the landmark 2015 Coal Ash Rule and the 2024 Legacy Coal Ash Rule, two sets of standards that required, for the first time, meaningful monitoring, cleanup, and closure of toxic coal ash sites.
Coal ash is the hazardous waste left behind when coal is burned, and it contains dangerous pollutants like arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium, and other heavy metals and radioactive materials. Exposure to these contaminants has been linked to cancer, neurological damage, heart disease, and reproductive harm. Today, more than 90% of coal-fired power plants are already contaminating groundwater above federal safety standards, putting nearby communities and drinking water at risk.
Under the EPA’s proposed rollback, hundreds of older coal ash dumps would be exempt from federal regulations. Utilities could also face weaker cleanup requirements, expanded discretion to dilute monitoring standards, and the ability to leave coal ash in direct contact with groundwater indefinitely. In short, polluters would get more flexibility while communities would get less protection.
The EPA is currently accepting public comments for 60 days. Join Michigan LCV in speaking out and demanding strong, enforceable protections to fully address coal ash contamination and prioritize public health over industry loopholes.