SHOT/CHASER: Coal ‘Champion’ Donald Trump Lets Coal Industry Dump Toxic Ash Into Drinking Water

Washington, DC – Whatever the coal industry spent on the fake trophy they gave Donald Trump for being the “undisputed champion of beautiful clean coal” is clearly paying off. In his latest move to prop up the industry, Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is weakening protections that would have prevented coal companies from allowing toxic coal ash to contaminate our drinking water. Trump has proven time and time again that he is willing to let corporate polluters poison our families, all so they can save a few bucks. Trump even used emergency powers to keep coal plants open, claiming they would support the grid — but some of those turbines have not generated any electricity. 

Climate Power Senior Advisor Alex Witt issued the following statement: “Trump’s EPA is more focused on protecting the rights of corporate polluters to poison our communities than protecting our air and water. With this move, Trump and Republicans are giving corporations a blank check to pollute while families pay the price in poisoned water and increased medical bills.”

SHOT: The Guardian: Trump named ‘undisputed champion of beautiful clean coal’ by industry group

CHASER: The New York Times: In a Boost to Coal, E.P.A. Moves to End Biden’s Toxic Ash Disposal Rules