Burning coal in power plants produces a waste product called coal ash, a material that contains small amounts of potentially harmful chemicals. 

First of all, for this kind of substances, if we could not regulate it strictly, it may leak into the soil and contaminating the surrounding environment which is extremely harmful. In the contrast, if the strict and reasonable laws and regulations are produced, there is a big chance that we do not have the need to worry about it. For instance, when the mercury, one of the harmful substances, was after strictly regulated, it was pretty safe that people seldom concern about it. So as the coal ash, if we can control it , it maybe great for the environment. 

Secondly, about the contribution they have made now, is the funds about 15 billion dollars. Despite it looks big enough, but actually it is only one percent of the whole which is needed. So there is a way to go for the necessary law and regulation.