Environmental groups sue over Oklahoma coal ash oversight

The Associated Press - September 29, 2018 10:27 am

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Several environmental groups are trying to stop the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from transferring oversight of the disposal of toxic coal ash to state regulators in Oklahoma.
The group Earthjustice filed a lawsuit this week in federal court in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Sierra Club, Waterkeeper Alliance, and Oklahoma-based Local Environmental Action Demanded agency.
The groups allege the EPA unlawfully approved Oklahoma’s state coal ash program that allows “unsafe impoundments full of toxic coal ash” to continue operating.
An EPA spokeswoman says the agency doesn’t comment on pending legislation.
The gray ash left behind when coal is burned contains toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Earthjustice says it conducted an analysis of groundwater data from Oklahoma that shows contamination at four Oklahoma coal ash dump sites.

 

Latest Stories

Citizens Police Academy Applications Online

If true crime podcasts and reruns of Cops are no longer satisfying your curiosity, the Ponca...

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Honored

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Bob Zweiachar was honored Oct. 31 at the NOC-Trinidad (CO) wrestling match...

Oklahoma Slashes Developmental Disabilities Waitlist From 13 Years to Two

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced the reduction of the Developmental Disabilities...