AIR DISTRICTS CHALLENGE LEGISLATION HIKING POLLUTION FINES

A controversial bill that would hike fines on stationary sources that violate air pollution rules is drawing fire from air districts, which claim the measure's plan for allocating penalty funds could harm their ability to operate key programs. Air district opposition could prove a substantial hurdle for the legislation, and the measure may have to be significantly amended, according to sources. The state's major industry groups also oppose the measure, SB 1205 (Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Whittier), claiming the fines are...