Federal environmental agency rejects Alabamas coal ash regulation plan [Video]

Video above: Mobile Baykeeper files coal ash lawsuit against Alabama Power The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday rejected Alabama’s proposal to take over coal ash regulation, saying the state plan does not do enough to protect people and waterways.The agency said the state’s proposal was “significantly less protective” than required by federal regulations, and that it “does not require that groundwater contamination be adequately addressed during the closure of these coal ash units.”“EPA is laser focused on protecting people from exposure to pollution, like coal ash, that can cause cancer risks and other serious health issues,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a news release.Coal ash is what remains when coal is burned to generate electricity. Coal ash contains contaminants such as mercury, chromium and arsenic associated with cancer and other health problems. States can assume oversight of coal ash disposal but must meet minimum federal requirements. The …