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Clean-Air Changes 'Imperil Parks'

Rules make allow power plants nearby

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 4:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – Clean air rules likely to be changed this summer are causing serious concerns about future pollution at some of America's most spectacular national parks, reports the Washington Post. The changes will pave the way for 28 new coal-fired power plants near ten parks, according to a report supported by some National Park Service officials. Parks already have "impaired visibility" because of pollution, and the changes represent a major "setback," said one official.

"There are some days when it's unhealthy to breathe at the park," said a pollution specialist at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "People come here to get away, and they can't believe that sometimes they're better off where they came from."

Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Some conservationists are concerned about new regulations weakening air quality standards at national parks. (KRT Photos)

Bull elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Some conservationists are concerned new regulations will weaken in quality standards at national parks. (KRT Photos)

Relaxed pollution rules may make it easier to locate power plants near national parks like Colorado's Mesa Verde. (KRT Photos)

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Clean-Air Changes 'Imperil Parks'

Rules make allow power plants nearby

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Henry Waxman • Clean Air Act • Environmental Protection Agency • air pollution • air quality • National Park Service • Shenandoah National Park • Mesa Verde National Park • Theodore Roosevelt National Park • National Parks Conservation Association

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Obama Dumps New Smog Rules

He says standard will change anyway in 2013

EPA to Loosen Clean-Air Rules in National Parks

Bush moves to allow coal-fired plants nearer US land preserves

EPA Ignores Advisers on Pollution Cap

Sets higher limit than own experts' recommendations

Clean Air Rules Squeezing Berry Farmers

Strawberry growers rip EPA pesticide limits as 'too much, too soon'

Feds Pursue Fewer Polluters

EPA cuts down on criminal cases, says focus is on biggest offenders

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Clean-Air Changes 'Imperil Parks'

Rules make allow power plants nearby

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Henry Waxman • Clean Air Act • Environmental Protection Agency • air pollution • air quality • National Park Service • Shenandoah National Park • Mesa Verde National Park • Theodore Roosevelt National Park • National Parks Conservation Association

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama Dumps New Smog Rules

He says standard will change anyway in 2013

EPA to Loosen Clean-Air Rules in National Parks

Bush moves to allow coal-fired plants nearer US land preserves

EPA Ignores Advisers on Pollution Cap

Sets higher limit than own experts' recommendations

Clean Air Rules Squeezing Berry Farmers

Strawberry growers rip EPA pesticide limits as 'too much, too soon'

Feds Pursue Fewer Polluters

EPA cuts down on criminal cases, says focus is on biggest offenders

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?