The reading presents arguments from power companies that believe stricter environmental regulations are not necessary for coal ash.

The reading presents arguments from power companies that believe stricter environmental regulations are not necessary for coal ash. The professor, however, thinks that there should be stricter regulations because current regulations are not sufficient. She refutes each argument in the passage and explains the reason. First, the reading states that we already have effective regulations and states using liner is compulsory in every new disposal ponds and landfills as an example. But the professor explains that this rule only applies to new ponds and landfills which is not adequate and should include old disposal sites as well. Second, the reading concerns that new rules might discourage recycling of coal ash and results in consumers stop buying coal ash recycled products. The professor opposes this claim and says that it does not necessarily lead to purchase halt by customers. She gives Mercury as an example which government has imposed strict regulations on it but people still bought the products. Third, The professor explains that this regulations completely worth the cost because it will protect public health. She also mentions that although implementing these regulations cost about 50 million dollars, the customers' billing would increase only one percent overall.