Birmingham environmental group wants courts to reinstate coke air quality rules after Trump proclamation
Environmental Group Seeks Reinstatement of Air Pollution Rules for ABC Coke
A local environmental advocacy group is urging federal judges to restore air pollution regulations impacting ABC Coke in Tarrant, Alabama, following President Donald Trump’s recent suspension of these rules. Jilisa Milton, executive director of the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP), voiced community concerns regarding the toxic emissions from the facility, which has long been a source of harmful pollutants in the area. She emphasized the detrimental effects on local health and well-being from enduring industrial pollution.
GASP, along with seven other organizations, filed a lawsuit against Trump, the EPA, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, aiming to reinstate the regulations. The lawsuit highlights the hazardous emissions from coke ovens, such as benzene, mercury, and arsenic, which are linked to cancer and other serious health issues. ABC Coke is among only 11 coke plants in the U.S., and recent EPA updates had demanded stricter emission controls. However, Trump’s November proclamation exempted these facilities from the new regulations for two years, citing impractical technology for compliance.
GASP contends that this exemption oversteps presidential authority and is a tactic to relieve polluters from necessary health safeguards. A report revealed ABC Coke’s benzene emissions significantly exceeded safe levels, raising alarm over public health risks. The facility’s history of enforcement actions underscores ongoing concerns regarding its environmental practices.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2026/01/birmingham-environmental-group-wants-courts-to-reinstate-coke-air-quality-rules-after-trump-proclamation.html
