Central ND News

After a prolonged delay, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its proposed approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) Permit Program. This development allows states to manage their own permit programs provided they meet federal standards. CCRs are solid byproducts from coal-based power plants, including materials like fly ash and synthetic gypsum.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, expressed his support for the EPA's decision. He stated, "President Trump’s approval of North Dakota’s CCR Permit Program is a crystal-clear example of his commitment to American energy dominance." He further criticized what he described as delays by "radical environmentalists embedded in the Biden administration" and thanked President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their roles in advancing the application process.

In 2023, Senator Cramer helped secure over $600,000 from the EPA for North Dakota to develop its CCR Program and finalize its application while ensuring compliance with federal standards. Despite statutory requirements for a decision within 180 days, the EPA took more than two years to act on North Dakota's application. The agency only moved forward after intervention from President Trump and Administrator Zeldin.

Senator Cramer previously supported the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which directs the EPA to approve state primacy programs regulating CCRs in states that apply. The WIIN Act was enacted on December 16, 2016.