June 23, 2025 - House Republicans this week will review federal regulations that could be limiting the use of coal combustion waste for everything from construction to critical minerals.

Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia, who chairs the Subcommittee on Environment, said a hearing Thursday would explore rules hampering the coal sector.

Coal ash has long been used for making concrete and wallboard, but the industry has complained that federal scrutiny may have dissuaded companies from taking advantage of the byproduct.

“This hearing will offer a chance to examine the past decade of coal ash regulations as well as how government red tape and bureaucracy can stifle innovation surrounding the use of coal ash, and what steps can be taken to ensure it remains available and is used safely and effectively in the coming years,” Guthrie and Griffith said in a joint statement.