WASHINGTON, DC – On December 17^th, 2009, the EPA Press Office issued a statement that the EPA's pending decision on regulating coal ash waste from power plants, expected this month, will be delayed for a short period due to the complexity of the analysis the agency is currently finishing.
As part of her commitment to ensuring the protection of public health and the environment regarding coal ash, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson had set a deadline to complete the regulatory decision before the close of 2009. However, the agency is still actively clarifying and refining parts of the proposal.

The Wall Street Journal reported on January 9^th, 2010, that the EPA has yet to publish its proposed new regulations for coal ash, a step that would then open the door to public comment and hearings.