Date of Award

2025

Type

Thesis

Major

Business, General Business

Degree Type

Bachelors in General Business

Department

Accounting and Finance Department

First Advisor

Dr. Eric Spears

Second Advisor

Dr. Troy Keller

Third Advisor

Dr. Paul Vincent

Abstract

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.

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