EPA To Expand Voluntary Programs Amid Deepening Budget Cuts

Senior EPA officials and regional directors are trying to improve and increase the agency's use of voluntary programs that encourage pollution cuts by industry, EPA sources say, as the agency is facing long-term budget shortfalls that could make it more reliant on such programs in future years. EPA acting Administrator Steve Johnson is taking a keen interest in the effort, sources say, prodding top agency staffers to boost the efficacy of voluntary programs and link industry's use of such programs...