State Regulations

Coal dust is a serious concern for residents living near rail lines and terminals in Virginia, especially in places like Newport News, Norfolk, and Lambert’s Point. While people experience coal dust as a local, visible, and harmful issue—especially when it settles on homes, cars, and in lungs—regulation of coal dust happens mostly at the state and federal levels. That means understanding the role of Virginia’s environmental rules is key for anyone looking to protect their community.

Virginia’s approach to environmental regulation has long emphasized compliance with federal minimum standards, with the state playing a primarily administrative role in implementing federal programs. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)—established in 1993—grew out of a consolidation of state environmental functions that previously had been scattered across multiple agencies. This reorganization marked a shift toward centralized enforcement and regulatory oversight but did not expand the scope of state-level protections beyond federal requirements.Who Regulates Environmental Issues in Virginia?

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the main state agency responsible for protecting air, water, and land. DEQ was formed in 1993 to manage environmental issues across the state. Today, it issues permits, monitors pollution, and works to make sure Virginia follows national environmental laws.

When it comes to air pollution, DEQ relies heavily on federal air quality standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These are called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and they include limits for things like fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse dust (PM10).

But here’s the problem: Virginia does not have its own specific rules for coal dust. If an area meets federal air quality standards—even if residents are still breathing in harmful dust—DEQ usually won’t take further action. That leaves many affected communities without strong protections.

Why Coal Dust Often Falls Through the Cracks

Coal dust pollution is hard to regulate for a few reasons:

• Rail transport is federally protected. States and cities aren’t allowed to control how freight trains operate, even when they carry uncovered coal cars through neighborhoods.
• Coal terminals are considered stationary sources. But if they don’t clearly exceed federal air standards, they may not face strict dust control requirements.
• DEQ’s focus is mostly on large-scale emitters, like factories or power plants with smokestacks—not on the kind of ground-level, fugitive dust that blows from piles, railcars, or conveyors.

This means that even when residents are breathing coal dust, it’s hard to get a state-level response unless air monitors show violations of federal limits—which they often don’t, especially if monitors aren’t located close to where the dust is actually settling.

What State-Level Action Could Look Like

Although Virginia hasn’t yet created strong protections against coal dust, state regulations still matter—and can be strengthened. Here’s how:

• Permits for terminals and facilities can include dust control measures, if DEQ chooses to require them or if residents push for them during public comment periods.
• Air monitoring programs can be expanded to collect better data in frontline communities. DEQ has the authority to install monitors and respond to community complaints.
• New state laws could require covered coal cars, community air monitoring, and stronger enforcement near terminals and along rail lines.
• Environmental justice policies are slowly being added to the state’s regulatory process. These could help DEQ consider the cumulative impacts of pollution in historically burdened communities.

A History of Missed Opportunities—and a Chance to Do Better

Virginia has historically taken a hands-off approach to regulating coal dust. For years, there was little political pressure to act, especially in areas seen as economically tied to coal shipping and rail. But that’s starting to change.

Community members, researchers, and advocacy groups have brought new attention to the issue. Groups like the Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative and the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice have asked the state to take coal dust pollution more seriously. Residents have testified, shared data, and submitted complaints to DEQ.

Although change has been slow, every new report, petition, or testimony helps shift the conversation.

Why This Matters for Community Action

State regulation isn’t a perfect tool—but it’s a powerful one. Even though DEQ doesn’t currently have coal dust-specific rules, communities can still engage the system to push for better protections. That means:

• Attending DEQ hearings
• Submitting public comments
• Requesting air monitors
• Meeting with legislators
• Using state reports and data to support local advocacy

Understanding how Virginia’s regulatory system works—and where it falls short—can help communities organize more effectively. The system wasn’t built with environmental justice in mind, but it can be pushed in that direction through public pressure and collective action.