EPA sets tighter standards for soot pollution

Source: AP-Excite

By MATTHEW DALY

WASHINGTON (AP) - Responding to a lawsuit from 11 states, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new air quality standards to lower the amount of soot that can be released into the air.

The Obama administration, facing strong resistance from congressional Republicans and industry officials, had sought to delay the politically fraught rule until after the election, but was forced to act by a court order. Critics, including officials representing the oil and gas industry, refineries and manufacturers, complained that overly strict rules could hurt economic growth and lead to job losses.

An Obama administration official said the new rule was based on a rigorous scientific review. Virtually all counties in the United States would meet the proposed standard with no additional actions needed beyond compliance with current and impending rules set by the EPA, the official said.

Soot, made up of microscopic particles released from smokestacks, diesel trucks, wood-burning stoves and other sources, contributes to haze and can burrow into lungs. Breathing in soot can cause lung and heart problems.

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Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120615/D9VDA1302.html

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In this June 15, 2011, file photo Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson testifies before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the Clean Air Act and Public Health on Capitol Hill in Washington. In response to a federal court order requiring the Obama administration to update air quality standards under the Clean Air Act the EPA is proposing new air quality standards to lower the amount of soot that can be released into the air. The long-delayed rule is to be made public on Friday, June 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)