Obama Administration Withdraws Stricter Air-Quality Regulation

President Obama announced on Friday the withdrawal of the draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards.  The proposed rule from the EPA would have improved current standards and significantly reduced emissions of smog-causing chemicals.  The President justified his action by claiming the new standards would have increased regulatory burdens and uncertainty in a time when our economy is recovering.

In Tucson, the move spared the region from possible violation of ozone standards. The NY Times provided additional commentary.