ACTIVISTS CHALLENGE STATE, TRIBAL AUTHORITY TO ALLOW CROP BURNING

Environmentalists are mounting new challenges against EPA's approval of agricultural burning in the West, in pending litigation seeking to end the controversial practice that can lead to short-term spikes in fine particle (PM2.5) and air toxics emissions. One of the lawsuits challenges EPA for granting a state discretion to allow a practice that does not violate ambient air quality standards, but may lead to severe health impacts. And a second case could set a precedent in how much discretion the...