Texas vs. EPA Continues

HOUSTON (AP) _ Texas is proposing changes to its clean-air permitting process for petrochemical companies that would bring the state’s regulations more in line with the federal Clean Air Act.

The announcement Wednesday comes one day after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered two companies, including the Chevron Phillips Cedar Bayou plant, to apply directly to the federal government for permits and bypass Texas officials.

The EPA says Texas is violating the federal Clean Air Act. Texas officials deny it.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says its proposed rules wouldn’t allow a company to use the state rules to circumvent federal regulations. Companies also would be required to maintain stricter records and monitoring of equipment.

A EPA spokesman says the agency is reviewing the revisions and could not immediately comment.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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