EPA STAFF PUSH AGENCY FOR TIGHTER PARTICULATE POLLUTION CONTROLS

EPA staff are pushing agency managers to tighten the agency's proposed ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standard, arguing that stricter standards would not force the agency to amend strategies such as its clean air interstate rule (CAIR), which EPA claims will ensure localities attain existing air pollution standards. But some sources say any efforts to tighten the proposed limits could face an uphill battle within the Bush administration even if EPA itself endorses changes. Any changes will also be scrutinized...