Survey: most state officials believe new rules will increase pollution

[Judi Lynn]

Survey: most state officials believe new rules will increase pollution

By DEVLIN BARRETT
Associated Press Writer

February 6, 2004, 11:47 AM EST


WASHINGTON -- Most state environmental officials surveyed by the federal government believe the government's proposed clean air rules changes will result in more air pollution from the nation's power plants, according to a study released Friday.

The General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress, found 27 of 44 state offices responsible for environmental work believe the Bush administration's loosening of Clean Air Act regulations will result in more air pollution.

Those 27 officials "expected the rule to increase emissions of harmful air pollutants, thereby hindering areas' efforts to meet air quality standards and potentially creating or exacerbating public health risks," the GAO report found.

That belief contradicts the EPA's finding that the rule will decrease emissions. Five state officials surveyed agreed with the EPA.
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http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--epa-cleanair0206feb06,0,4983167.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire