DOE ROLE IN ENERGY BILL AIR TOXICS STUDY DRAWS WIDESPREAD SKEPTICISM

Environmentalists and industry sources claim a new study the energy bill requires Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct on the health impacts of refinery air toxics may have little value, because DOE has little experience in the area compared to EPA. A little-known provision in the new law asks the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress within six months on the "direct and significant health impacts" on people who live near refineries and petrochemical plants. The provision directs DOE...