EPA HAZE RULE BACKS OFF MANDATORY ANALYSIS OF WORST-CASE EFFECTS

EPA's air visibility rule allows states to ignore projected worst-case impacts from a pollution source when deciding whether to exempt facilities from the rule's pollution control requirements, drawing criticism from environmentalists who say the provision could hinder regional haze reduction efforts. By adopting the flexibility provision, the agency appears to be addressing, at least partially, criticism from the Office of Management & Budget, which sought clarification on the burdens allegedly imposed on industry by an earlier version of the rule...