EPA Proposes Approval of Indiana’s Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

INDIANAPOLIS — Today, at the Indiana Statehouse, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi was joined by Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and other leaders to announce the proposed approval of Indiana’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit program application. If finalized as proposed, Indiana will issue permits for CCR disposal in landfills and surface impoundments instead of the federal government.   

Indiana is home to the most CCR units in the nation, making today’s announcement an important step in the Trump EPA’s effort to restore energy dominance, strengthen cooperative federalism, and protect human health and the environment.  

“To date, the Trump EPA has set the stage for 10 states to issue permits for CCR landfills and impoundments. Giving states the lead on CCR permitting helps ensure that those who understand local conditions and energy needs are in the driver’s seat to oversee these units,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi. “For Indiana, today’s action means we’re proposing to give state leaders the tools to responsibly support the coal industry, strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure and ensuring Hoosiers continue to have reliable, affordable electricity.”  

“I am pleased to welcome Deputy Administrator Fotouhi to Region 5 for today’s important announcement. Indiana is uniquely positioned to help fortify America’s energy dominance and should have the tools to do so,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “If finalized as proposed, Indiana’s CCR permit program will provide transparent, locally administered oversight rooted in federal standards, while strengthening economic growth at the same time.”  

“This is an important step toward putting Indiana in the driver’s seat, where we can apply our knowledge of our communities, industries and energy needs. I want to thank President Trump and the EPA for working with me to strengthen our energy future and give Hoosiers greater control over decisions that directly affect our state,” said Indiana Governor Braun.

“This is just one more example of us leading the way in making it easier for utility companies operating in Indiana to adopt and maintain an all-of-the-above energy mix, which in turn gives them one less excuse for selling us high-cost energy,” said Indiana Attorney General Rokita. “I have been advocating for the God-given blessing that carbon is ever since Hoosiers elected me to fight for common sense in Washington, and that fight continues today with this win. We know our plants and our sites. We should be the ones making the decisions that affect them—not people hundreds of miles away. President Trump and the leaders he sent here understand this and have been a great partner in getting this much-needed proposal done.”

“We are thankful for the EPA’s quick and careful review of Indiana’s CCR program application. This step underscores how strong cooperative federalism can manage complex environmental challenges,” said Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Commissioner Clint Woods. “A state‑led approach provides Hoosier‑tailored oversight and ensures decisions are guided by Indiana’s on‑the‑ground expertise, allowing the state to operate the nation’s largest and most efficient CCR oversight program.” 

After thoroughly reviewing IDEM’s application, EPA is proposing to conclude that the program meets all the standards for approval. Under Administrator Lee Zeldin’s leadership, EPA is committed to cooperative federalism, and the agency is committed to working with Indiana and any other state that wishes to take on this responsibility.  

Under the Trump Administration, EPA has made significant progress working with states as they seek to manage their own CCR programs while lowering energy costs and increasing grid reliability. Since 2025, EPA has also approved applications from North Dakota and Wyoming, and has proposed approving applications from Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Wisconsin. This is in addition to the work done in President Trump’s first term, which included approving Oklahoma and Georgia’s programs, and proposing to approve Texas’ program. EPA will continue to work with other states as they develop and submit applications.   

EPA will hold a 60-day public comment period, which will include a public hearing on November 12, 2026. For more information, visit the Indiana CCR Permit Program webpage. 

Background   

On March 12, 2025, EPA committed to taking swift action on CCR, including state permit program reviews and updates to the CCR regulations. Approved states cannot have CCR regulations and policies that are less protective of human health and the environment than the federal regulations. In November 2025, EPA proposed to extend an alternative closure requirement deadline. This deadline extension would promote electric grid reliability by allowing a subset of coal-fired power producers to continue to operate.    

On April 13, 2026, EPA proposed several revisions to the federal regulations governing the disposal and beneficial use of CCR. If finalized, the proposal would promote resource recovery, allow for site-specific considerations in permitting, provide regulatory relief while continuing to protect human health and the environment, and ensure continued transparency. Following that proposal, on July 13, 2026, EPA announced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather input on a potential general permit option for CCR facilities.  

Earlier in 2026, EPA announced a final rule that extends the compliance deadlines for requirements governing CCR “management units.” This deadline extension provides additional time to meet facility evaluation requirements and to comply with groundwater monitoring provisions.