EPA Rules Delay Irks Some, Delights Others

Online, December 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - WASHINGTON, (UPI) -- Environmental advocates decried a delay on enacting tougher U.S. emissions rules until July manufacturing groups are delighted.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it needs until July 2011 to analyze scientific and health studies on a smog rule and until April 2012 to review studies on toxic emissions from industrial boilers.

Environmental advocates said they were concerned the Obama administration also would delay efforts to curb emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, The New York Times reported Friday. White House officials and Democratic policy analysts said the EPA won't retreat from its agenda, but is exercising caution in a changing political arena.

"The administration's No. 1 goal over the next two years is going to be expanding economic growth," said said Joshua Freed, director of the clean energy program at Third Way, a centrist Democratic group. "The environmental regulatory process has always played out in that context, and that's not going to change."

Frank O'Donnell, Clean Air Watch president, said he thought the administration could moderate its stand on other environmental regulations, including pending greenhouse gas rules aimed at reducing the pollutants that contribute to global warming.

The National Association of Manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute, however, praised the decision, the Times said.

"We hope this week's announcements signal that the EPA is slowing down on overly burdensome and unnecessary rules that will crush economic growth and job creation," said Keith McCoy, vice president for energy and natural resources at the manufacturers' group.

The delayed smog rule would lower the allowable concentration of airborne ozone to 60-70 parts per billion from 75 parts per billion. The boiler rule is intended to cut emissions of mercury and other dangerous pollutants in half.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said the rules delay was a technical decision.