The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the final approval of Wyoming’s partial coal combustion residuals (CCR) programme. This will allow Wyoming, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills.
“Today’s approval is cooperative federalism in action”, said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “By empowering state experts to manage their own resources, landscapes, facilities, and communities, Wyoming will use its local expertise to protect the environment and promote economic growth. This approval highlights how collaboration between EPA and states can drive American energy growth, generate employment, and Power the Great American Comeback.”
CCR is produced primarily as a byproduct from burning coal in coal-fired power plants. The EPA worked closely with Wyoming to assess the state’s programme application, gaining insights into how the state will implement its programme within its borders. After reviewing Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s application, the EPA determined that its application meets the standards for approval. With this approval, Wyoming is the fifth state in the nation, joining Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, and North Dakota, to take control of its CCR permitting and oversight.