Fedorchak joins EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Governor Kelly Armstrong for approval of North Dakota Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

Bismarck, ND – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and Governor Kelly Armstrong for an announcement approving North Dakota’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) program application. This decision will allow the state, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills. CCR is produced primarily as a byproduct from burning coal in coal-fired power plants. After reviewing North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality’s application, EPA determined that it meets the standards for approval on May 16, 2025. After the public comment period ended, EPA finalized approval on the program. North Dakota is the fourth state in the U.S. to have an approved CCR permit program. “North Dakota has proven that environmental stewardship and energy development go hand in hand. This decision empowers our state—not Washington bureaucrats—to manage coal ash responsibly and strengthen our energy independence,” Fedorchak said. “I appreciate EPA Administrator Zeldin for recognizing North Dakota’s leadership and working with us to keep energy reliable, affordable, and responsibly produced.” “By entrusting state experts with the authority to oversee their own resources, we are reinforcing our commitment to both cooperative federalism and permitting reform,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin. “North Dakota’s deep understanding of its unique landscape and community needs ensures that local expertise leads the way in protecting the environment and fostering economic growth. This approval exemplifies how partnership between EPA and states can unleash American energy, create jobs, and Power the Great American Comeback.” “North Dakota has regulated coal combustion residuals effectively for more than 40 years, protecting both the environment and public health, and we appreciate the EPA and Administrator Zeldin for recognizing the strength and responsibility of our state-led approach,” said North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong. “The potential to extract rare earth elements and critical minerals from CCR – instead of having to import them from foreign adversaries – makes this approval of our CCR permit program even more important to U.S. energy independence, the economy and national security.” “EPA is proud to support North Dakota’s leadership and local expertise in managing its own coal combustion residuals program responsibly,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. “This approval reflects that practical, state-driven solutions can deliver both environmental results and American energy opportunity.”