EPA REBUFFS REGION'S REQUEST FOR NEW COMMENT PROCESS ON RULES

EPA headquarters is declining to change its process for accepting comments from its 10 regional offices on draft rules and guidance, despite a recent request from Region IX that the agency do so given claims that it may not have incorporated regional input when drafting a controversial rule revamping air toxics requirements. "Why would we change?" an agency spokeswoman says. "Every indication is that candid assessments are welcomed." EPA Region IX has raised concerns that agency headquarters did not adequately...