Air

"A group of Texas refineries, chemical makers and power plants have agreed to seek new air pollution permits, marking a setback for state regulators defending an air pollution program popular with business."

"In a sweeping move aimed at curbing long-distance air pollution that afflicts the health of 240 million Americans ...the Environmental Protection Agency is ordering power plants across much of the eastern United States to sharply curtail emissions."

"In big cities around the world, cyclists breathe an array of pollutants from exhaust-spewing cars. A new study has now found a link between cycling on high traffic roads and heart risks. Even healthy cyclists had harmful changes in their heart rates. Experts say cyclists should stick to their two-wheels, however, pointing to simple solutions to reduce exposure."

"Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson is expected to announce tough new regulations Thursday that seek to significantly reduce emissions from many coal-fired power plants."

"Sunflower Electric has a calendar problem. The company has only a year left to begin construction of its controversial coal-fired plant in western Kansas, but a legal challenge to the plant’s air-quality permit is blocking progress."

EPA this week will release its long-awaited new rule to protect downwind states from pollution emitted by coal-burning plants in upwind states.

"Odors are part of life in Mecca, a small farming community in the Southern California desert 140 miles east of Los Angeles."