Velázquez Leads 7 Members of Congress in Letter to EPA Administrator Regan on Mismanagement of Dangerous Coal Ash in Puerto Rico by Applied Energy Systems

Washington D.C.—Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has sent a letter along with seven members of Congress to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, over their concerns about the continued violations of the Coal Combustion Residuals rule (CCR) by Applied Energy Systems in Guayama, Puerto Rico (AES-PR) and urged the EPA to take action.

"For almost two decades, AES-PR handled its toxic coal ash by stacking the waste in a massive, uncovered 12-story-high pile on the ground that was left exposed to severe Caribbean winds and rain," wrote the lawmakers. "As a result, the waste pile blew dust into neighboring communities and contaminated underlying groundwater. We believe the EPA should investigate the toxic fill sites, ensure groundwater is restored to its original condition in a timely manner, investigate and require removal of the remaining, uncovered coal ash piles on the island, and enforce the CCR rule."

In addition to Velázquez, the letter was signed by Representatives: Raúl M. Grijalva, Adriano Espaillat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jerrold Nadler, Jesús "Chuy" García, Rashida Tlaib, and Steve Cohen.

"We thank Rep. Velázquez for proactively urging the EPA to hold AES-PR accountable for its illegal and careless disposal of its toxic coal ash Some of Puerto Rico's poorest communities have been living with coal ash's adverse health impacts for over a decade, with no accountability or environmentally protective remedy in sight. We're grateful for Rep. Velázquez's commitment to protecting the health of Puerto Ricans, and now the EPA must step up," said Legislative Counsel Christine Santillana from Earthjustice.

A PDF of the letter is online here.