EPA Extends Coal Ash Compliance Deadlines to Support Grid Reliability While Preserving Environmental Safeguards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 6 finalized a rule extending key compliance deadlines for coal combustion residual management unit, or CCRMU, and groundwater monitoring requirements, providing regulated utilities with additional time to meet federal coal ash standards while maintaining protections for public health and the environment. The action aligns with broader federal efforts to support electric grid reliability as coal-fired units continue to operate during the energy transition.

Under the final rule, facilities managing CCRMU receive a one-year extension to complete facility evaluation report Part 1 and Part 2 and to establish publicly accessible coal ash websites. These reports identify regulated units, document their location within facilities, and outline unit size and configuration, strengthening transparency and public accountability once posted. The agency also granted up to three years for compliance with groundwater monitoring requirements and adjusted related deadlines across the coal ash regulatory framework. EPA determined that the additional time addresses implementation challenges that had constrained the regulated community’s ability to meet earlier timelines.

The rule also finalizes targeted amendments proposed on January 16, 2025, correcting regulatory text citations and aligning rule language with the intent described in the preamble. EPA expects these clarifications to improve regulatory certainty and facilitate compliance across affected facilities.

The action builds on EPA’s March 2025, commitment to accelerate coal ash oversight through stronger coordination with states. Since then, the agency approved North Dakota’s coal ash permit program and proposed approval of Wyoming’s program, while advancing reviews in other states seeking primary oversight authority. EPA also previously proposed extending an alternative closure deadline in November to promote grid reliability in alignment with Executive Order 14262. The agency plans to continue working with state partners to strengthen coal ash management and oversight nationwide.