EPA Drafts Rule To Excuse Air Violations Caused By 'Natural Events'

EPA is developing a regulation that will allow states to ignore violations of federal particulate matter (PM) standards because of pollution caused by "natural events," such as forest fires or wind-blown dust. Yet some state officials are raising concerns that the move may create uncertainties for areas that faces penalties for exceeding EPA's ambient air quality standards. An agency source says the new rule will codify an existing policy guidance and may attempt for the first time to address transported...