Brian Willis, 202.675.2386, Brian.Willis@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former coal lobbyist and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler proposed another dangerous rule today that will allow unlined, toxic coal ash ponds to stay open longer, and even permit their owners to use toxic material as part of the structures they are developing to permanently close the ponds.
In response, Dalal Aboulhosn, Deputy Legislative Director for Land and Water at Sierra Club, released the following statement:
“This new coal ash proposal reads like it was written by a former coal lobbyist intent on placating his former employers - because it was. It offers less protection for communities suffering from groundwater contamination and diminished property values, and more protection for callus coal industry interests who value their profits above the lives of working people. We are not surprised by this mockery of public health on the part of Andrew Wheeler, but we are committed to putting an end to it. We will fight this rule, and others like it, with every resource we have, and remind the American people that Wheeler is putting people’s lives in danger with these blatant handouts to his former clients.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.