"Appeals Court Upholds EPA Limits on Air Toxicity"

"WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court Tuesday upheld the Environmental Protection Agency's first-ever limits on air toxics, including emissions of mercury, arsenic and acid gases, preserving a far-reaching rule the White House had touted as central to President Barack Obama's environmental agenda.

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit found that the rule "was substantively and procedurally valid," turning aside challenges brought by Republican-led states that had argued it was onerous and environmental groups that had contended it did not go far enough.

The EPA called the decision 'a victory for public health and the environment.' Liz Purchia, a spokeswoman, said, 'These practical and cost-effective standards will save thousands of lives each year, prevent heart and asthma attacks, while slashing emissions of the neurotoxin mercury, which can impair children's ability to learn.'"

Neela Banerjee reports for the Tribune Washington Bureau April 15, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Scores Big Win To Limit Mercury in Power Plants" (Politico)

"Federal Judges Uphold Landmark EPA Mercury And Toxics Standards" (Greenwire)