The Environmental Protection Agency appears to be relishing the role of the Grinch this year, even if the agency thinks it’s Santa Claus. The Daily Caller reports, “After years of delays, the EPA finalized the nation’s first federal coal ash rule just in time for Christmas, which has got coal-fired power plant operators fuming. The coal ash rule not only comes with a hefty $735 million per year price tag, but the coal industry also argues it creates lots of uncertainty for plant operators.” According to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, “EPA is taking action to protect our communities from the risk of mismanaged coal ash disposal units, and putting in place safeguards to help prevent the next catastrophic coal ash impoundment failure, which can cost millions for local businesses, communities and states.” Meanwhile, CNSNews.com reports, “Since President Barack Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued 3,120 new final regulations, equaling 27,854 pages in the Federal Register, totaling approximately 27,854,000 words.” Given the EPA’s ostensible goals, it’s ironic that their pre-Christmas announcement amounts to a lump of coal in the nation’s stocking.