Air

"A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Thursday introduced legislation aimed at slashing emissions of sulfur dioxide, mercury and nitrogen oxide from smokestacks including coal-fired power plants."

"A federal judge on Thursday found Murphy Oil Co. liable for violating the federal Clean Air Act 21 times by releasing pollutants into the air in amounts greater than allowed under state permits for the company's Meraux oil refinery."

"ARLINGTON, Va. -- Industry and environmental groups sparred at a public hearing here today over U.S. EPA's planned reconsideration of the George W. Bush administration's 2008 smog standard."

"U.S. EPA's final air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) entails new requirements for measuring peak exposures near roads, but it would monitor fewer roadside locations than the agency's original proposal."

"An effort by railroad companies to control dust blowing from coal trains has drawn the wrath of electric-power generators and the attention of federal regulators."

"The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it would control -- for the first time -- short-lived spikes of an air pollutant common along major roads and linked to respiratory problems."

After checking the math, Oregon regulators were surprised to discover the state's only cement plant emitted more mercury into the air than a major coal-burning power plant.

"Children in Texas are more likely to miss school when certain types of air pollution increase -- even when the levels are below the limit set by the federal government, a new study says."

"Exhaust from cars and trucks exacerbates asthma in children and may cause new cases as well as other respiratory illnesses and heart problems resulting in deaths, an independent institute that focuses on vehicle-related air pollution has concluded."