EPA's Efforts to Curb Air Pollution in Limbo

Observers point out that the quickest way to solve the problem would be through Congress. Delaware Sen. Thomas Carper proposed legislation in August that would require, by law, tougher emissions standards not only for nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide but also for mercury and carbon dioxide. Drowned out by other matters, the bill (and others like it) didn't pass, and supporters say passage next year could be tough as well.

"It is not likely that Congress will move quickly on clean air legislation, and it may not be for lack of trying," Becker says. Becker's organization, meantime, is working closely with state governments to come up with an alternative, expected to be completed in the spring, that would establish emissions standards for each state.

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