On November 3, U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced final approval of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s application to operate its own coal combustion residuals (CCR) permitting program. North Dakota, the first state to receive such approval under the second Trump Administration, joins Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia in securing CCR permitting authority.
In his remarks, Zeldin highlighted his support for state primacy programs, noting that “this approval exemplifies how partnership between EPA and states can unleash American energy, create jobs, and Power the Great American Comeback.” North Dakota’s approval covers a partial CCR permit program, as DEQ did not seek approval in three areas. For more information, see U.S. EPA’s webpage.
U.S. EPA continues to accelerate review of state CCR permitting program applications and encourage additional states to pursue delegations. The agency is currently reviewing comments on its proposed approval of Wyoming’s CCR program and is working with Louisiana, Virginia and Illinois on their applications.
