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Columbus State University

An Analysis of Coal Ash Pollution in the State of Georgia

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This social science paper will explore the factors contributing to the prevalence of coal ash in specific regions of Georgia and its impact on local ecosystems and human health. It provides an analysis of the current environmental and political issues surrounding the containment and spread of coal ash throughout the State. Coal ash is primarily found in the central, southwestern, and northeastern regions where coal-fired power plants and coal ash storage sites are located. The paper will then discuss the political, economic, and legal reasons behind the lack of effective regulation and mitigation of coal ash spread. Coal ash illustrates how corporate influence can sustain environmentally damaging practices. This paper also examines the role of government inaction in facilitating such outcomes, particularly in relation to Georgia Power. This paper argues that coal ash pollution and its subsequent damage to the environment is caused by weak enforcement of government regulations that allow energy companies seeking to maximize profit to operate without regard for their local community’s health.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Business, General Business
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Accounting and Finance Department
Year
2025

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Etchison, Mick W.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. Eric Spears
  • Dr. Troy Keller
  • Dr. Paul Vincent

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Rights

Language dc:language
English

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1738

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Columbus State University
Base URL
csuepress.columbusstate.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Etchison, Mick W.. An Analysis of Coal Ash Pollution in the State of Georgia. Thesis thesis, 2025. https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/751