Clean-Air Cops Handcuffed

The EPA wants stricter curbs on air pollution. But critics say lax enforcement may undermine its goals.

1 minute read

November 19, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

"Enforcement of the Clean Air Act, especially toward coal-fired plants, is "at a near standstill," concluded the Environmental Integrity Project... Can a proposed market-based system for controlling air pollution make up for less rigid enforcement of current laws? Once a potent tiger, the EPA's clean-air enforcement looks increasingly toothless. The number of suits targeting big polluters - especially coal-fired power plants - has dropped dramatically. Former EPA officials complain such lawsuits are actively discouraged. At least one recent settlement allows a violating power plant to spew more pollution into the air, not less."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Clean-air cops handcuffed

Thursday, November 18, 2004 in The Christian Science Monitor

Environment United States

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