Comment submitted by Debi Combs

Dear Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category: Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate, Dear Administrator Zeldin, Regarding the proposed rule to weaken wastewater pollution standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category: I am vehemently opposed. It's time for EPA to support alternative energy and to cease supporting (and bolstering) petrochemical industries. Coal plants dump harmful pollutants into our waterways. These pollutants are associated with health effects that stem from mutagenesis and carcinogenesis－especially birth defects & cancers. It appears that the 2024 rule could be an important step toward reducing toxic wastewater pollution from coal-fired power plants. Sadly, EPA's proposed rule (allowing the coal industry to avoid cleaning up its harmful combustion residual leachate wastewater) will lead to additional drinking water contamination from toxic pollutants such as arsenic and mercury. Communities near coal-fired power plants are already disproportionately affected by this type of pollution. More pollutants will put them at an even greater risk for acquiring serious disorders and diseases. Therefore, I strongly urge EPA to withdraw the Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category – Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate. I hope you consider these comments. If you disregard them or anyone else's (because it seems too similar to another's), you shirk your responsibility to accept public comment. Embrace democracy and freedom of speech: please consider all comments and petitions. Sincerely, Debi Combs Debi Combs 2432 Harrington Dr Decatur, GA 30033 Sincerely, Ms. Debi Combs