WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is scrapping a controversial Bush-era rule that set stricter limits for smog but fell short of scientific recommendations.
In a brief filed today in a federal appeals court, the Justice Department says the EPA believes the revision made by the Bush administration does not adhere to federal air pollution law. The agency will propose new smog standards to protect health and the environment by December.
The Bush regulation, announced in March 2008, was the subject of much controversy.
While stronger than the previous rule, it wasn’t as tough as the government’s scientific advisers had recommended. Smog is a respiratory irritant that can aggravate asthma and has been linked to heart attacks.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
