Court rejects industry challenge on clean air

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court has turned aside an industry effort to weaken compliance requirements for environmental standards that reduce soot pollution from power plants. The Utility Air Regulatory Group had challenged as too burdensome compliance regulations covering fossil-fuel-fired steam generating plants built between 1971 and 1978. The compliance procedures ensure that pollution control technologies are working effectively. The appeals court said the Environmental Protection Agency provided a reasonable explanation for the requirements and that they are not arbitrary and capricious. A private group, the Environmental Defense Fund, said strong compliance rules are critical for protecting public health. Published: Fri, Mar 14, 2014