The Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a petition in Jefferson County Circuit Court against local health officials in Alabama, urging a judge to force action on an expired air permit held by ABC Coke. The company is the nation's largest producer of foundry coke, a key ingredient in metal casting, and has been operating under the lapsed permit since 2023. The petition argues that officials have had ample time to address the situation, with lawyers stating, "It's time to act. It's long past time."
The dispute centers on who bears responsibility for the delay in renewing or enforcing the permit. The SELC's filing asks the court to compel the Jefferson County Department of Health to move forward, while the department's failure to act has left the plant operating without a valid permit. The case highlights broader concerns about regulatory oversight of industrial facilities in the region, where air quality is a persistent issue.
No new permit terms have been issued, and the plant continues operations amid the legal challenge. The outcome could set a precedent for how expired permits are handled in Alabama, particularly for large industrial emitters. The court has not yet ruled on the petition.