This bill, known as the Coal Ash for American Infrastructure Act, amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a comprehensive framework for the beneficial use of coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash. It introduces the concept of a "beneficial use staging unit," allowing owners or operators of CCR units to apply for this designation to facilitate the removal and reuse of stored coal ash. Applications must include an attestation of compliance, the volume of CCR stored, and a detailed beneficial use management plan outlining removal volumes, schedules, potential critical mineral recovery, and target markets.

To be approved as a beneficial use staging unit, the CCR unit must be a lined surface impoundment or landfill, meet specific groundwater monitoring requirements, and comply with all applicable federal or state regulations. Owners or operators of these designated units are then required to remove at least 25 percent of the stored CCR for beneficial use within a set period: 5 to 7 years for units storing less than 1.5 million cubic yards, and 10 to 12 years for larger units. Importantly, these staging units are prohibited from receiving new coal combustion residuals and are treated as sanitary landfills under the Act, exempting them from certain closure mandates if they comply with the new requirements.

The legislation also includes a federal preemption clause, preventing states or political subdivisions from enacting laws or regulations that conflict with this framework, particularly those that might mandate the closure of compliant beneficial use staging units. The Administrator is tasked with publishing annual reports detailing the volume of CCR stored and removed from these units, as well as any revocations of designations. This aims to encourage the safe and productive reuse of coal ash, potentially recovering critical minerals and supporting infrastructure projects.