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EPA Ignores Advisers on Pollution Cap

Sets higher limit than own experts' recommendations

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 13, 2008 7:18 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Ignoring the recommendations of its own scientists, the Environmental Protection Agency yesterday reset standards for pollution-forming ozone from cars and factories at a level critics say may cost thousands of lives. The new cap is lower than the old level but still far above the limit urged by EPA experts, reports the Washington Post.

The EPA's new limit on ozone in the air is 75 parts per billion, though its advisory committee had suggested levels as low as 60 and "no higher" than 70. "It is disheartening that once again EPA has missed a critical opportunity to protect public health and welfare," said one environmental activist. A power industry lobbyists said the cap was already too low, claiming environmentalists "are promising health benefits that people may never receive, even though they'll end up paying for them through higher energy bills."

Congested traffic fills New York's Park Avenue. The EPA has tightened air quality standards but has ignored the recommendations of its own independent scientists.
Congested traffic fills New York's Park Avenue. The EPA has tightened air quality standards but has ignored the recommendations of its own independent scientists.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Smog covers midtown Manhattan in New York. The EPA has tightened air quality standards but not enough to satisfy its own independent experts.
Smog covers midtown Manhattan in New York. The EPA has tightened air quality standards but not enough to satisfy its own independent experts.   (AP Photo/Adam Rountree, File)
Smoke billows from a factory in Clairton, Pa. The EPA has tightened air quality standards but has ignored the recommendations of its own independent scientists.
Smoke billows from a factory in Clairton, Pa. The EPA has tightened air quality standards but has ignored the recommendations of its own independent scientists.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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Smog

Environmental agency tightens smog standards
New York Times

US toughens standards for ozone
BBC

US • Green

 
pollution • Clean Air Act • nitrogen oxides • Environmental Protection Agency • American Lung Association • smog • ozone • air quality • utilities • Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee • National Association of Clean Air Agencies • Edison Electric Institute

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