Politics. On Point.

*** 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 p...

Michigan and Texas aren't the only states with water issues. About 200 protestors marched down the streets of Richmond, Virginia and demonstrated on the steps of State Capitol Saturday afternoon to protest Dominion Power's plans to dump millions of coal ash into the James River. Eight people were arrested after demands by Virginia Capital police for the group to disperse after the group's 3:00 p.m. permit expired. Several protestors, ignoring those demands, linked arms together and remained on the capitol steps.  They were arrested one-by-one and charged with trespassing. Virginia Capitol Police make arrests during demonstration to repeal coal ass disbursement in Richmond, Virginia's James River.  Photo/CD Brown. "I'm terrified to get arrested", said Meagan Neal one of the first protestors to get arrested.  "I don't want to be arrested but I also don't want coal ash in the James River and people have to stand up for that", ...

President Obama and Administration Tour Oil Spilled Areas of Louisiana, Vowing To Do "Whatever It Takes, For As Long As It Takes" The president and EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson concluded the tour of areas that could be impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. "Local responders and EPA staff in our Emergency Operations Center at headquarters are working around to clock to assess and confront human health concerns, mitigate immediate environmental impacts, and prepare for the long-term effects of the BP Spill. We continue to offer the fullest measure of support to the ongoing response effort,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, I have been inspired by the hard work and outpouring of support from the local community and around the country. The people of the Gulf Coast -- even at a time of considerable anxiety and anger -- have stepped up to assist the response and lift each other up. Their example ...