EPA extends proposed coal ash (CCR) permit-comment window through July 29

EPA has reopened and extended the public-comment window for a proposed federal coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit program for electric utilities, with a practical deadline of July 29, 2026. The agency is asking utilities, state regulators, and the public to weigh in on how the federal framework would work—especially timing, “tiering,” and how electronic permitting could be implemented.

The key change: an open comment window with a July 29 deadline

EPA says it will accept written comments on the proposed federal CCR permit program through July 29, 2026. The May 28, 2026 Federal Register reopening notice includes both narrative language about reopening and a clearly labeled Comment Due Date of 07/29/2026; EPA’s CCR permit-program page likewise directs readers to the July 29 end date for submissions.

What EPA is actually asking the public to comment on

The reopened window applies to EPA’s proposed approach for a federal CCR permit program for disposal units such as surface impoundments and landfills. In plain terms, it is about the federal permitting framework—requirements, process, and timing—before any final permitting system is adopted.

EPA also says the federal framework is designed to “fit” with state permit programs. Under EPA’s concept, the agency would implement the permit program directly in Indian Country and for CCR units in states that have not submitted (or not had approved) their own CCR permit programs.

Three reader questions driving the reopened comment request

EPA says it is specifically seeking comment on three areas:

• How long it takes to compile site-specific materials needed for permit decisions where information may be deferred to later stages.
• Whether a six-month deadline after a final permitting rule would be sufficient for the first “tier” of permit applications.
• How electronic permitting should work for permits issued by EPA and for states that implement the CCR permit program in lieu of EPA.

Who should pay attention

This matters for:

• Communities near CCR disposal units, because permit structure and timing can affect when applications are filed and how information is handled under the federal framework.
• Utilities, because the comment questions focus on what facility teams would need to prepare and how quickly first permit applications could be submitted.
• State regulators, because the comments ask how state and federal systems would coordinate—particularly for electronic permitting and tracking.

How to submit comments (and where to ask questions)

EPA directs commenters to the docket for the proposal in Regulations.gov (as identified in EPA’s CCR permit-program materials and the Federal Register notice). EPA also provides a separate public contact pathway for CCR questions and feedback.

What to watch next

After the comment window closes, EPA will review submissions as part of the rulemaking process. The practical takeaway for residents and operators is that the comment record—especially on permitting timelines, tiering, and electronic permitting—could influence how quickly and efficiently any future CCR permitting program operates.

Sources

• EPA: Proposed federal CCR permit program (comments through July 29, 2026)
• Federal Register (May 28, 2026): Reopening of comment period (Comment Due Date: 07/29/2026)