Several Insurance Companies Refusing to Pay Duke Energy Corp.’s Coal Ash Cleanup

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Dozens of insurance companies say they’re not obligated to help pay for Duke Energy Corp.’s multi-billion dollar coal ash cleanup.

 

 The Insurers say the nation’s largest electric company long knew about the threat of potentially toxic pollutants but did nothing to reduce the threat.

   The claim is in a filing by lawyers for the nearly 30 international and domestic insurance companies that Duke Energy sued in March. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based power company wants to force insurance payments to cover part of the utility’s coal ash cleanup in the Carolinas.

   The insurers say they’re not paying because Duke Energy stored its coal ash in unlined pits as part of its normal business practices. Insurance company lawyers say no distinct pollution events triggered coverage.

   Coal ash contains arsenic, mercury and other elements that may be hazardous in sufficient concentrations.