EPA Refinery Settlements May Frustrate Lawsuits By Environmentalists

EPA's recent settlements with refineries could preempt lawsuits brought by environmentalists against the same facilities alleging numerous Clean Air Act violations, because the agency agreements resolve many of the same issues but achieve weaker emission controls than the environmentalists are seeking, according to sources involved in the suits. Representatives of several environmental groups, including the National Refinery Reform Campaign and the Environmental Integrity Project, will meet with EPA officials in mid-July to raise their concerns about the agency's recent refinery...