BISMARCK, N.D. – At a ceremony at the North Dakota capitol, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the approval of North Dakota’s coal combustion residuals program.
CCR is a byproduct from burning coal in power plants. This will allow the state instead of the federal government to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills.
“By entrusting state experts with the authority to oversee their own resources, we are reinforcing our commitment to both cooperative federalism and permitting reform,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said. “North Dakota’s deep understanding of its unique landscape and community needs ensures that local expertise leads the way in protecting the environment and fostering economic growth. This approval exemplifies how partnership between EPA and states can unleash American energy, create jobs, and Power the Great American Comeback.”
North Dakota is the fourth state in the country to have its CCR permit program approved by the EPA.
“North Dakota has regulated coal combustion residuals effectively for more than 40 years, protecting both the environment and public health, and we appreciate the EPA and Administrator Zeldin for recognizing the strength and responsibility of our state-led approach,” North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong said. “The potential to extract rare earth elements and critical minerals from CCR – instead of having to import them from foreign adversaries – makes this approval of our CCR permit program even more important to U.S. energy independence, the economy and national security.”
