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EPA Delays Coal Ash Cleanup, Endangers Vulnerable Communities

7/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pushed back coal ash cleanup deadlines, giving utilities until 2027 to report contamination and 2029 to begin monitoring. Critics warn this decision threatens vulnerable communities, leaving them at risk of toxic exposure. Meanwhile, cuts to climate science funding under the Trump administration further jeopardize public health safeguards.

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Story summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pushed back coal ash cleanup deadlines, giving utilities until 2027 to report contamination and 2029 to begin monitoring. Critics warn this decision threatens vulnerable communities, leaving them at risk of toxic exposure. Meanwhile, cuts to climate science funding under the Trump administration further jeopardize public health safeguards.