Electric cooperatives face higher rates and increased regulation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is attempting to define coal ash as a "hazardous material." Such a designation will have a deep and dramatic impact on our electric generation and will also significantly impact electricity prices and system reliability nationally.
Classifying coal ash as hazardous would result in a significant increase in the cost of handling, storage and disposal. It also would deal a blow to the widespread practice of incorporating coal ash into useful products and materials such as concrete.
The EPA acknowledges that coal ash can be managed as non-hazardous and that it only becomes a problem when not handled responsibly. SIPC currently meets or exceeds all existing state and federal regulations for the capture of combustion byproducts and storage, use and disposal of coal ash. Designation of coal ash as a hazardous material is not necessary and will drive up wholesale power rates for your not-for-profit electric cooperative, costs that would unfortunately have to be passed on to co-op members.
Take Action Now by clicking on the link below to contact EPA and object to this proposal.
https://ssl.capwiz.com/nreca/home/
