ICYMI: Trump EPA Finalizes Approval of North Dakota’s Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program, Advances Cooperative Federalism

ICYMI: Trump EPA Finalizes Approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program, Advances Cooperative Federalism

November 7, 2025

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, alongside North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong at the North Dakota state Capitol, approved North Dakota's coal combustion residuals (CCR) program application. This program allows the state, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills, and ensures EPA's commitment to advancing cooperative federalism with state, local and Tribal partners. EPA will continue working with these partners to prioritize timely action and empower those with local expertise to oversee more effective CCR disposal operations.

Read coverage below on EPA's action to advance cooperative federalism.

North Dakota Monitor: EPA puts coal waste regulation into North Dakota's handsExit EPA's website

". . . Zeldin said the move helps cut red tape and puts more decision-making in the hands of the state, where it belongs. . . 'States should be more in charge of their own destiny,' Zeldin said."

KX News: Gov. Armstrong and EPA administrator Lee Zeldin finalize agreement to implement coal programExit EPA's website

". . . The Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Permit Program intends to make the recycling of coal ash safer and more efficient, while helping to reduce costs for coal producers. The program will allow the state, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal."

Inside EPA: EPA Approves North Dakota's CCR Program, Boosting Push For Other StatesExit EPA's website

". . . Zeldin also responded to a question regarding EPA's future involvement in North Dakota's CCR permitting, saying that the agency will 'be a very close and trusted partner with the state,' but that 'what North Dakota is gaining primacy over, as far as that regulatory oversight, is substantial.'"

Bismarck Tribune: EPA gives North Dakota authority over coal waste; environmental groups may challengeExit EPA's website

"Federal officials are handing off authority of many coal waste regulations to a North Dakota state agency. The move has been long sought by the state . . ."

WDAY Radio: EPA approves North Dakota's coal combustion residuals programExit EPA's website

". . . '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."

American Ag Network: Fedorchak joins EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Governor Kelly Armstrong for approval of North Dakota Coal Combustion Residuals Permit ProgramExit EPA's website

". . . 'EPA is proud to support North Dakota's leadership and local expertise in managing its own coal combustion residuals program responsibly,' said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. 'This approval reflects that practical, state-driven solutions can deliver both environmental results and American energy opportunity.'"

Lignite Energy Council: Lignite Energy Council Applauds EPA Approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residuals ProgramExit EPA's website

". . . Administrator Zeldin's decision to make this announcement in North Dakota highlights the importance of coal country to the nation's energy future. His visit underscores the state's record of balancing strong environmental performance with the reliable, affordable energy that keeps homes, businesses, and industries powered."

WZFG The Flag: EPA approves North Dakota's coal combustion residuals programExit EPA's website

". . . '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."

E&E News: EPA hands North Dakota oversight of coal ash dumpsExit EPA's website

". . .The approval is the latest sign of EPA blazing forward with Trump administration priorities during the government shutdown . . ."

KFYR TV (VIDEO): EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in Bismarck to approve of ND authority to regulate coal ash wasteExit EPA's website

"EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin came from Washington to make the announcement with Governor Armstrong in Bismarck. . . Zeldin says North Dakota's department of environmental quality can take over [the coal combustion residuals program]. . ."