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===Landfill selections raise environmental justice concerns===

Both the Georgia and Alabama landfills are located in areas with higher rates of poverty and higher percentages of African-American residents than state averages, a situation that has raised concerns about [[Environmental justice and coal|environmental justice]]. In Taylor County, more than 24 percent of the population lives in poverty, and over 40 percent of the population is African-American; by contrast, the state as a whole has a 14 percent poverty rate and is 30 percent African-American. Perry County in Alabama has more than 32 percent of its residents living in poverty and a 69 percent African-American population, compared with the state as a whole, which has a poverty rate of over 16 percent and a 26 percent African-American population.<ref name="iss"/> Perry County District Attorney Michael Jackson criticized the [[EPA]] for allowing TVA to dispose of ash at a landfill in a poor community in Alabama, calling the decision "tragic and shortsighted." He vowed to monitor the disposal site to ensure the process complies with environmental regulations.<ref>[http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=10657909 "Alabama DA reviewing options on coal ash decision,"] WTVM, July 7, 2009.</ref>