Manchin Legislation Stresses 'States-First' Approach in Coal Ash Disposal

Sen. Joe Manchin says legislation he’s introducing would create an enforceable program for states to oversee the disposal of coal ash.

The West Virginia Democrat has introduced the bill with a Republican Senate colleague. The proposal is scheduled for a hearing Tuesday before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Coal ash is the residue from the burning of the fossil fuel to generate electricity. With tougher federal air pollution laws, many utilities are switching from coal to natural gas. That means massive amounts of coal ash for the utilities to deal with.

According to Manchin, the legislation would create what he calls a states-first approach to regulating coal ash. He said that approach would provide certainty for the safe and efficient recycling of coal ash.