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November 22, 2008 12:45:43 CST

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Clean-Air Changes 'Imperil Parks'

Posted May 16, 08 4:33 CDT in Science & Health,  US 

(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."

Source Washington Post

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Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Some conservationists are concerned about new regulations weakening air 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)
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)
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Environmental Protection Agency • air pollution • Henry Waxman • Clean Air Act • air quality • National Park Service


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