EPA Proposes to Approve Virginia’s Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

EPA Proposes to Approve Virginia's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

April 30, 2026

PHILADELPHIA - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the approval of the Commonwealth of Virginia's coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit program application. If approved, the action would allow the Commonwealth rather than the federal government to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills. This proposal is part of EPA's broader effort to ensure that the CCR program reflects the agency's commitment to restoring energy dominance, strengthening cooperative federalism, and protecting human health and the environment.

"Virginians know their state best. By putting decisions in the hands of the people closest to the land, we're delivering stronger environmental protection and stronger economic growth at the same time," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Today's proposal reflects the Trump EPA's commitment to cooperative federalism and permitting reform, core pillars of our Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative."

"If finalized, as proposed, Virginia's CCR permit program will provide transparent, locally administered oversight rooted in federal standards," said EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van-Blarcom Lackey. "By working with our regulatory and permitting partners, together we can ensure that we are delivering clean air, land, and water for all Americans."

After reviewing Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's CCR permit program application, EPA is proposing that the program meets all the standards for approval. If finalized, Virginia will mark the fifth CCR permit program to be approved under the Trump EPA. Under Administrator Zeldin's leadership, EPA is committed to cooperative federalism, and the agency will work with Virginia to finalize their approval and as they establish and manage their CCR permit program.

Under the Trump Administration, EPA has made significant progress working with states as they seek to manage their own CCR programs. EPA will continue working with state partners to prioritize timely action and empower those with local expertise to oversee more effective CCR disposal operations. The agency anticipates proposing CCR permit program decisions for at least four additional states in the near future.

EPA will hold a 60-day public comment period, which will include a public hearing on June 24, 2026. For more information, visit the Virginia CCR permit program webpage.

Background
On March 12, 2025, EPA committed to taking swift action on CCR, including state permit program reviews and updates to the CCR regulations. Since then, EPA has approved permit programs for North Dakota and Wyoming. Approved states cannot have CCR regulations and policies that are less protective of human health and the environment than the federal regulations.

On April, 9 2026, EPA proposed several revisions to the federal regulations governing the disposal of CCR and the beneficial use of CCR. This proposal would promote resource recovery, allow for site-specific considerations in permitting, provide regulatory relief while continuing to protect human health and the environment, and ensure continued transparency. Earlier in 2026, EPA announced a final rule that extends the compliance deadlines for CCRMU requirements. This action provides additional time to meet facility evaluation requirements and to comply with groundwater monitoring provisions. Additionally, in November 2025, EPA proposed to extend an alternative closure requirement deadline. This deadline extension would promote electric grid reliability by allowing a subset of coal-fired power producers to continue to operate.