MERCURY RULE, CAIR FACE POSSIBLE LAWSUITS FROM INDUSTRY, STATES

EPA's final rules for mercury and interstate air pollution are facing litigation threats from somewhat unexpected sectors, with Eastern coal companies considering litigation because the the mercury rule disproportionately benefits Western coal and states eyeing lawsuits to challenge credit allocations in the clean air interstate rule (CAIR). The mercury dispute could also foreshadow fights over the Bush administration's Clear Skies legislation, which has fueled a similar debate among coal companies despite their overall support for the bill. Several sources note...