Public Justice’s Work to Protect Communities from Toxic Coal Ash Pollution

Authored By: Candace Whitman |

At Advocate Capital, we deeply appreciate the dedication of organizations like Public Justice in holding polluters accountable and ensuring the protection of our environment. The recent legal action taken to address the toxic coal ash pollution in Pennsylvania exemplifies the crucial role that legal advocacy plays in safeguarding public health and preserving our natural resources.

Public Justice, in collaboration with the Center for Biological Diversity and other legal partners, filed a formal notice of intent to sue Talen Energy Corporation and Brunner Island, LLC, for failing to comply with critical environmental regulations. This lawsuit seeks to compel the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2015 coal ash rule, which mandates groundwater monitoring and corrective measures to prevent pollution from coal ash ponds.

Coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal for energy, poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, found in coal ash, can contaminate waterways and groundwater, leading to serious health consequences for local communities and wildlife. The Brunner Island Steam Electric Station, located along the Susquehanna River, has failed to implement required monitoring and remediation efforts, despite alarming levels of contamination being detected in groundwater wells near the facility.

We commend Public Justice and their partners for their relentless pursuit of environmental justice. Their work is a testament to the power of legal advocacy in creating a safer, cleaner world for future generations. To learn more about their mission and ongoing cases, visit PublicJustice.net.

About Donna A. Jones

Donna Jones is the President at Advocate Capital, which became a part of Pinnacle in 2019. Ms. Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of Advocate Capital and serves as a member of the Credit Committee. Her responsibilities include education and training of Advocate Capital staff regarding civil litigation, coaching new clients on the fundamentals of Advocate’s online services, as well as its proprietary software application, AdvoTrac®, and all activities related to existing and prospective clients.