From yesterday’s Guardian, "GAO: EPA Lacked Data for Pollution Claims":
Congressional investigators say the Environmental Protection Agency relied on anecdotes from industries it regulates, not comprehensive data, when it claimed that relaxing air pollution rules for industrial plants would cut emissions and reduce health risks.The General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress, said in a report Monday that EPA lacked scientific evidence for its claims that the Clean Air Act's "new source review" program needed revising because it discourages energy-efficiency improvements at plants.
EPA eased pollution-control requirements for utilities, oil companies and manufacturers in December but is reconsidering parts of those final rules now.
"Because it lacked comprehensive data, EPA relied on anecdotes from the four industries it believes are most affected," the GAO said. "Because the information is anecdotal, EPA's findings do not necessarily represent the program's effects across the industries subject to the program."
EPA planned to announce more changes to the program Wednesday to allow many of the nation's dirtiest coal-burning power plants and other industrial facilities to claim more upgrades as "routine maintenance" that do not require more emissions-cutting devices.
What’s next, letting representatives of oil, coal, nuclear, and electricity corporations write energy policy?
Oh, wait, that's right..."next" has nothing to do with it.
