EPA Loosens Pollution Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed loosening pollution rules for 10 states, but House Republicans and industry groups are pressing for more. The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule is intended to reduce smog-forming chemicals emitted by power plants. The chemicals often drift into other states. Under the proposed changes, 10 of the 27 states affected by the rule will be allowed to emit more pollution than previously allowed, and they'll have two extra years to make changes before penalties kick in. But House Republicans are pushing to do away with the rule completely. The EPA needs to "step back, reboot and start over," said Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX).