Three environmental organizations have called on the Trump administration to reconsider its proposal to grant Louisiana regulatory authority over toxic coal ash disposal at power plants throughout the state.
Coal ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, contains hazardous substances including arsenic, mercury, chromium, lead, lithium, and radium. These materials have been associated with various health conditions ranging from multiple cancer types to cardiovascular and thyroid disease, respiratory illness, and neurological damage. Louisiana currently operates three active coal-burning facilities and maintains one retired plant, with large quantities of coal ash stored at installations near Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Shreveport.
Groundwater testing results at all four facilities have documented contamination exceeding federal safe drinking water standards. Detected contaminants include arsenic, boron, cobalt, lead, lithium, radium, sulfate, and thallium. The presence of these chemicals poses particular concern given that over 61% of Louisiana’s population depends on groundwater sources for their drinking water supply, either wholly or partially.
The state’s Department of Environmental Quality has granted permits allowing coal plants to close ash disposal sites while contamination remains present in underlying groundwater, a practice that environmental groups argue perpetuates long-term pollution. According to the advocacy organizations, the department’s regulatory approach has consistently favored industry interests and overlooked public health implications. Transferring federal oversight authority to the state agency would eliminate certain enforcement mechanisms and prevent residents from pursuing federal remedies against pollution violations.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality operates with constrained staffing levels and has faced criticism for its permitting decisions regarding high-pollution operations. Environmental advocates contend the agency’s regulatory record across air quality monitoring, industrial facility approvals, and protection of low-income communities demonstrates insufficient environmental protection standards.
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