GOP LAWMAKER SEEKS DISTANCE FROM INHOFE INQUIRY ON STATE AIR GROUP

Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), the chairman of the Senate clean air subcommittee, appears to be distancing himself from an inquiry by environment committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK) into the finances of a group of state air officials that opposes the Bush administration's Clear Skies utility emissions bill. Some observers say Inhofe's inquiry could distract key players from pending talks on the Clear Skies bill at a time when lawmakers, congressional staff and others are seeking to develop a compromise following...