119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 4875
H.R. 4875 allows coal power plants to designate their coal ash storage units as "beneficial use staging units," which would delay or eliminate closure requirements if the ash is used in other applications like construction materials or infrastructure projects. Plant operators must submit an application with a plan showing they will remove at least 25 percent of stored ash within 5-7 years for smaller units or 10-12 years for larger units, and cannot add new ash to these designated units. The bill also prevents states from mandating closure of compliant staging units and requires the EPA to publish annual reports tracking how much ash is being removed and reused. The legislation essentially creates a pathway for power plants to keep coal ash on-site longer if they demonstrate plans to recycle or repurpose it rather than permanently dispose of it.