Michigan City Sustainability Commission endorses letter opposing EPA coal-ash deadline extension

The Michigan City Sustainability Commission on Oct. 9 approved joining an intergroup letter opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed extension of compliance deadlines for coal-ash cleanup units.

The motion, moved verbally during the meeting and seconded, approved the commission signing a letter produced by Indiana Conservation Voters, Earthjustice and allied organizations that opposes the EPA's proposed rule published July 22, 2025. The letter described the proposed extension as "reckless, dangerous, and entirely unnecessary" and warned it would allow toxic coal-ash waste to continue leaking near frontline communities.

Commissioners emphasized the local relevance, noting Michigan City has coal-ash deposits with aging seawalls near municipal drinking-water sources. Commissioners voted unanimously to join the letter and sign on to the opponents' statement. The transcript records the motion maker as "Em" and the seconder as Commission Beverly MacMartin; the record shows unanimous approval by voice vote.

The commission asked that the quoted text be separated in the official minutes for clarity and directed staff to include the exact excerpt the commission approved when recording the vote in the minutes.