"WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a challenge by the oil lobby disputing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air pollution rule."

"Various industry groups, including the American Petroleum Institute, originally challenged the 2010 regulation, which set a tighter Clean Air Act standard for short-term spikes in nitrogen dioxide pollution near roads.

The Supreme Court's decision not to take the case means the rule remains intact.

The agency said the new rule was justified due to scientific data that showed the health risks, particularly to those suffering from asthma."

Lawrence Hurley reports for Reuters April 1, 2013. [2]