The ash residue from coal combustion contains arsenic, mercury, lead and other heavy metals. Disposal of this residue is currently not regulated and is stored in open ponds where it can leach into ground water. Coal combustion waste (both in the air and the ash) has been linked to cancer, organ failure, and other serious health problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that “Pollutants in coal combustion wastewater are of particular concern because they can occur in large quantities (i.e., total pounds) and at high concentrations …in discharges and leachate to groundwater and surface waters.”

As You Sow is engaging electric power generators to reduce the hazards associated with coal combustion waste and responsibly manage coal ash as the hazardous substance that it is.

In 2010, As You Sow has filed shareholder proposals at two coal-burning utilities, MDU Resources Group and CMS Energy, to reduce the environmental and health hazards associated with coal combustion waste – including waste ponds, impoundments, and mines – and ensuring that when coal ash is recycled, that it is done so in an environmentally safe manner.

Click here to see our 2010 proposal to MDU.

Click here to see our 2010 proposal to CMS.