The Congressional Research Service plans to update an analysis of legislation addressing the disposal of power plant combustion waste, a Senate Republican aide said today.

At issue is a paper by CRS environmental policy analyst Linda Luther, who wrote last year that pending legislation included "no provisions" compelling states to adopt coal ash programs that comply with minimum federal standards "necessary to protect human health and the environment."

Backers of the measure, including Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), objected to CRS's conclusions. They insist their legislation, expected to be reintroduced in the new Congress, creates new disposal rules while protecting coal ash recycling for things like road construction.

Hoeven spokesman Don Canton said CRS has agreed to "update" its report "based on new information."

Environmental advocates cheered the CRS report, which substantiated many of their concerns (E&E Daily, Dec. 19, 2012). They have said they think it unlikely that researchers will significantly alter conclusions.