The reading and lecture have a debate on whether there should be a strict regulations for handling and storing coal ash. The reading believe that it is unnecessary, while the lecture view this problem in a different view.

First, the writer claims that there are some regulations exist, and a special material, liner, can solve this environmental  problem that the coal ash caused. But the speaker disagrees with this opinion, because the liner is not abundant, they can only use for the new factory or land of the power company, but the old ones will still pollute harmful chemicals. These chemicals will leak into the soil and pollute the groundwater  that people are drinking.

Second, the writer states that there will be more concern about recycled coal ash and may stop buying the products. However, the speaker's hold on a another opinion by raising an example of mercury. It has been controled for 50 years, and the regulation is very successful, only a few people concern about this problem.

Finally, the writer think the cost of the new regulation will be increased, and it will not be welcomed by the general public. Whereas, the speaker believe that the reading's opinion doesn't hold water. Every penny they spend for this is worthy, and according to the research, it will only cost about 50 billion  dollars. If we take average of this with the income of the company, the money will only increase about 1 percent. So it won't actually          caused  plenty of money from the company.

In conclusion, the writer  argue that the strict regulation for coal ash is unnecessary for several reasons: there are regulations exist, many people will concern about the recycling coal ash, the cost will increased. The speaker oppose the writer's opinion for these reasons:the old land will still pollute harmful chemicals, other dangerous material has been controled well, the cost won't increase a lot.