Indiana Coal Ash: State Seeks Permit Power Amid Federal Rollbacks

Indiana has initiated a significant move to establish its own permitting program for managing over 100 coal ash sites, more than any other state. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 26, 2026, seeking approval to oversee the disposal and management of coal combustion residuals. These residuals, byproducts of burning coal for electricity, contain hazardous pollutants like arsenic and mercury, which are linked to severe health issues including cancer.

The proposed state program aims to create a permitting framework for utilities managing coal ash in impoundments. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as the federal government is simultaneously proposing to relax cleanup requirements for such sites. Environmental advocates express concern that Indiana's new program might be less protective if it's tied to weakened federal standards, as state law prohibits rules more stringent than federal ones.

If approved, this program would be the largest of its kind due to Indiana's high number of coal ash impoundments. IDEM anticipates a decision from the EPA within three months, with potential public comment periods to follow. Environmental groups, however, warn of potential confusion and inadequate protection for communities near these sites if federal regulations are rolled back, creating a patchwork of uncertain oversight.