EPAFinal Rule

Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program: North Dakota

EnergyEnvironment

Summary

The EPA has approved North Dakota's plan to manage coal ash—the leftover material from burning coal at power plants—within the state. This approval means North Dakota can now oversee how coal ash is stored and disposed of, rather than the federal government doing it, which helps ensure the ash doesn't pollute water and soil in the state.

Key Points

  • 1North Dakota is now responsible for enforcing rules about how coal ash from power plants is stored, transported, and disposed of
  • 2The state must follow federal standards to protect groundwater and prevent pollution from coal ash piles
  • 3Power plants and coal-fired facilities in North Dakota must get permits from the state before storing or disposing of coal ash
  • 4This gives North Dakota more control over environmental decisions affecting the state while ensuring federal safety standards are met
  • 5The approval allows the state to move forward with its own oversight program instead of waiting for federal permits

Key Dates

Published

November 17, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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