Comment submitted by Gail Landy

Dear Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category: Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate, Dear Administrator Zeldin, I strongly oppose the proposed rule to weaken wastewater pollution standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category. For decades, coal plants were given a free pass to dump harmful pollutants into our waterways linked to birth defects, cancer, and other health problems. The 2024 rule was an important step in reducing toxic wastewater pollution from coal-fired power plants. But now, EPA's proposed rule would allow the coal industry to avoid cleaning up its harmful unmanaged combustion residual leachate wastewater. This means more toxic pollutants, like arsenic and mercury, making their way into our drinking water and putting nearby communities already disproportionately affected by this harmful pollution at risk. It is time to retire coal plants that pollute our air and water. Plenty of sources of energy exist and are cheaper, such as solar and offshore wind is being considered in Maryland. Coal plants require subsidies and many only run 15% of time. Goals were set to retire coal plants that produce dangerous emissions and ruin the health of low-income residents who are located close to the plants. 20% of Baltimore children suffer from asthma that is directly caused by coal plants. Why do we need to keep them running when they need subsidies for operation? The current excuse is the buildout of data centers that would run smoother with solar energy and the number of these centers needed is greatly overestimated. Data centers should not deny the scheduled closure of coal plants which are our dirtiest source of energy and a danger to our health I urge EPA to withdraw this proposal. Sincerely, Gail Landy 17600 Silver Dollar CT Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Gail Landy 17600 Silver Dollar Ct Gaithersburg, MD 208774237 Sincerely, Ms. Gail Landy