EPA Proposes Stricter Smog Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed stricter smog standards that would likely put hundreds of additional counties in violation of the regulations.

Scientists had recommended the proposed new standards before President Obama took office, the Associated Press reports.

Obama’s predecessor, President George W. Bush, had refused to implement the stricter standards after protests by utilities and other industries, although his administration did impose higher limits than the standard set in 1997.

The Obama administration had indicated it planned to seek stricter standards when it sought to stay a suit filed by 11 states and environmental groups seeking to force action, AP says.