Bush Admin Runs Out of Time for Rule Changes

Environmentalists are celebrating another big victory this week, as the Bush administration dropped its plans to rewrite regulations that would allow existing power plants to expand without installing new pollution controls. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced there is not enough time left in the presidential term to finalize the rule that would have changed when ‘new source review" is triggered under the Clean Air Act. 

The EPA also is abandoning a second proposed change that would have loosened regulations applied to power plants near national parks and wilderness areas. 

"I am heartened that both of these destructive and unlawful air pollution rules will not be forced upon the American people," said John Walke, NRDC clean air program director.

In recent weeks the Bush Administration has rushed to institute numerous regulation changes that would favor industry over the environment. It seems as though procrastination will cost them on these two. 

While the change to the rule concerning air quality and parks, would clearly have been a setback for the environment, depending on who you ask, the new source review change could lead to more or less pollution.

But knowing the history of the Bush Administration, SB.com is happy that the issue will be left to incoming administration officials.

Last week environmentalists celebrated Bank of America’s decision to phase out funding for coal mining companies practicing mountaintop removal.