In Ceremony with Wyoming Governor, EPA Proposes Approval of Wyoming Coal Residuals Permit Program
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Today, 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 disposal of coal residuals in surface impoundments and landfills.
“Today's proposed 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.”
“EPA’s proposed approval of Wyoming’s coal combustion residuals program strikes the right balance—protecting the environment while fostering American energy growth,” said EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western. “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.”
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.
EPA is accepting public comments on this proposed approval for 60 days. During this comment period, EPA will hold a public hearing on October 30, 2025, 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.
Background
On March 12, 2025, the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in the history of the U.S., 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.