Negotiations begin over coal ash storage issues in Mobile, Alabama

A federal judge's recent dismissal of an environmental lawsuit paves the way for settlement talks between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Alabama Power regarding coal ash storage in Mobile, Alabama.

Lee Hedgepeth reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• The lawsuit, filed by Mobile Baykeepers, claimed Alabama Power's coal ash pit near Mobile Bay violated federal environmental laws.
• Despite the dismissal, the case brought to light ongoing concerns about groundwater contamination and environmental hazards from coal ash.
• Settlement discussions are expected to address the long-term safety and compliance of coal ash storage at the Plant Barry site.

Key quote:

"This order does not address the fact that Alabama Power’s coal ash plan at Plant Barry endangers Mobile Bay and does not meet the federal standards."

— Barry Brock, director of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Alabama office.

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