Published: September 2, 2025 |

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to approve Wyoming’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) program application. This proposal would allow the state rather than the federal government to manage coal residuals disposal in surface impoundments and landfills. 

“Today’s approval of Wyoming’s coal combustion residuals program is a win for cooperative federalism. By empowering state experts who know their communities best, we’re advancing smart permitting reform and helping unleash American energy responsibly while giving industry the regulatory certainty needed to invest and create jobs,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

“This collaborative approach, states, and EPA working as partners, is how we’ll power the great American comeback,” added Zeldin.

“EPA’s proposed approval of Wyoming’s coal residuals program strikes the right balance—protecting the environment while fostering American energy growth. By putting decisions in the hands of state experts who best understand Wyoming’s energy industry, we can keep communities safe while also giving industry the clarity it needs to invest, innovate and create jobs,” said EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western.

CCR is produced primarily as a byproduct from burning coal in coal-fired power plants. After reviewing Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s application, EPA determined that its application meets the standards for approval. If finalized, Wyoming is expected to be the fifth state in the U.S. to have an approved CCR permit program. EPA is committed to working with Wyoming state partners as they establish and manage a CCR permit program that is tailored to their unique circumstances.

“The EPA’s announcement recognizes the stellar work that the State of Wyoming and the dedicated staff of our Department of Environmental Quality have achieved in this area. The environment, industry and Wyoming will all benefit from this proposal. I appreciate EPA Administrator Zeldin and Region 8 Administrator Western’s efforts to make this a priority,” said Wyoming Governor Gordon.

“America’s energy dominance depends on unleashing our vast energy resources. As America’s energy breadbasket, Wyoming is ready to deliver,” said Wyoming Senator Barrasso.

“The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed approval recognizes that Wyoming is best positioned to manage coal ash — not Washington. Wyoming workers and Wyoming coal will continue to be a major source of power for our nation now and far into the future,” added Barrasso. 

“Wyoming continues to lead the nation in responsible energy production, producing enough energy to power the nation,” said Wyoming Senator Lummis.

“President Trump’s leadership and the EPA’s proposal to approve Wyoming’s coal ash management program is a major victory for American energy independence that will provide the regulatory certainty our energy companies need to continue investing in Wyoming’s communities while maintaining the highest safety standards,” added Lummis.

“Wyoming has always been a leader in responsible energy development, and we are more than capable of managing our CCRs safely and efficiently,” said Wyoming Representative Hageman.

“Federal law recognizes that states, not distant bureaucrats, are best positioned to oversee their own programs, ensuring decisions are made closest to the people they directly impact. While the Biden administration tried to delay and disrupt this process with harmful rules, President Trump is restoring the rightful role of the states. I am proud to see this commonsense step forward that puts Wyoming in control and strengthens America’s energy future,” added Hageman. 

EPA is accepting public comments on this proposed approval for 60 days. During this comment period, EPA will hold a public hearing on Octtober 30 for interested parties to present information and remarks about the proposal. 

For more information about the public hearing and to submit public comments on the proposal, visit the Wyoming CCR permit program webpage HERE.

BACKGROUND

On March 12, 2025, EPA committed to taking swift action on CCR, including state permit program reviews and updates to the coal combustion residuals regulations. Since then, EPA has proposed to approve North Dakota’s CCR program application. EPA has also made significant progress working with other 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 coal combustion residuals disposal operations. In addition, EPA issued a direct final rule and companion proposal that will extend the compliance deadlines for CCR management unit (CCRMU) requirements in July. This important action will allow facilities to submit both sections of the facility evaluation report at the same time, provided that both reports are turned in no later than February 8, 2027.

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