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Virginia governor remarks on Dominion Virginia Power coal ash removal



*** Update to a previous story.  ***

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe says the DEQ will follow EPA regulations for closing eleven Virginia coal ash ponds.

As we previously reported, demonstrators in opposition to how the DEQ will rid the coal ash, upon closure of the ponds, believe it will be disposed of in Richmond's James river.

Virginia State Police arrest coal ash demonstrators

McAuliffe did not indicate whether or not this would be the case, but said there is "no one who is stronger about protecting our environment" than DEQ Director David Paylor.  McAuliffe said he asked if there is anything that can be done to change the guidance for closing the ponds and said that Paylor is following EPA regulations.

"Unless they [EPA] change it we don't have much option", McAuliffe said.

When asked what he would say to Saturday's demonstrators McAuliffe said, "Talk to the EPA."

  

McAuliffe spoke during Monday's White House press briefing along side National Governors Association Chair Gary Herbert (R-UT) and said the DEQ will follow EPA regulations. McAuliffe is Vice Chair of the National Governors Association.

"So not only building capacity, but also maintaining what we already have in our roads and our bridges. And for Utah, another uniqueness is that we live in an arid state, so water is a big infrastructure need for us, too, to accommodate the demands of the marketplace." --  National Governors Association Chair Gary Herbert 

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