Take Action

It takes an active community to form good environmental policies on all levels of government and safeguard against projects or policies that will ultimately do more harm than good for the Tar-Pamlico River and those who reside in its watershed. Check back frequently to see what you can do to maintain a high quality of life for all citizens residing and visiting the Tar-Pamlico River watershed.

 

 

August 2010

Protect Communities against High Hazard Risks from Coal Ash

Right now communities across the country are exposed to toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury when hazardous materials from coal ash disposal sites seep into our groundwater.

In response to the 2008 coal ash disaster in Tennessee, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson promised to propose federal regulations for coal ash disposal by the end of 2009. Jackson submitted the draft rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review in October, but the coal industry is putting intense pressure on the White House to stop or weaken the rule.

We cannot afford further delay as NC is home to 12 “high hazard” coal-ash ponds - meaning if the dam failed, there would likely be the loss of human life downstream.

Help us urge OMB Director Peter Orszag to approve the EPA's proposed rule that will protect hundreds of communities across the country from the hazards of toxic coal ash! Take action today!