EPA’s proposed coal ash regulations: SELC’s Frank Holleman on Capitol Hill

SELC Senior Attorney Frank Holleman leads our coal ash initiative. Yesterday he appeared before the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy of the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce as they met to discuss EPA's proposed new coal ash regulations. Although the proposed regulations are deeply flawed, Holleman was able to stress the importance of the citizen's right to sue, citing SELC's work on behalf of residents of North and South Carolina.

Here is his opening statement:

In exchange with Representative Paul Tonko of New York, he describes the Dan River Spill and its aftermath.

In answer to a question from North Dakota Representative Kevin Cramer, Holleman outlines the difference between citizen input in creating regulations and a citizen's right to sue to enforce those regulations. After his remarks Subcommittee Chairman John Simkus of Illinois offers assurances that citizens will retain their right to sue to enforce clean water protections.