Staff File Photo by Patrick Smith
Remains of a coal ash spill that blanketed more than 300 acres in Harriman, Tenn., surround the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant.WASHINGTON – Environmental groups already frustrated over how long it is taking the federal government to develop regulations for toxic coal ash are even more alarmed by what they now are hearing from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The new rules won’t be finished until 2012, a top EPA official told environmentalists last week. Another EPA official suggested in a published report the rules might even be delayed until 2013.
The news is especially disturbing, say those who have been pushing for the regulations, because it appears the Obama administration is putting off the politically risky decision until after next year’s election.
“That’s what appears to be happening,” said Chandra Taylor, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. “We’re not getting heard, apparently, if this decision is being put off even one more day, and that’s just a real, real disappointment.”
Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, added: “There is a high degree of frustration among a number of folks within our community. The can just keeps getting kicked down the road.”