EPA readies tough new smog standards for North Texas. You don't have to be a scientist to know that smog can hurt your health. But now the federal government is just one step away from forcing our region to change how it does business to clear the air. [News Source]

Business could get more time to comply with 2005 air regulations. City officials plan to roll out proposed changes to Louisville's toxic-air reduction program Wednesday, which will include giving businesses such as body shops and dry cleaners additional time to comply. [News Source]

Biomass electric power plant plan OK’d. Manatee County Commissioners approved Tuesday a rezoning of about 48 acres and the preliminary site plan for a power plant that will produce electricity by burning wood chips. [News Source]

Usibelli wants to start work on coal mine near Sutton. Usibelli Coal Mine in Alaska is gearing up for work this summer north of Palmer at its Wishbone Hill lease, but residents in the Buffalo Mine Road area, near the leased land, aren't sure they want a coal mine for a neighbor. [News Source]

New pollution standards rekindle Matthews incinerator debate. Mecklenburg County's only medical waste incinerator is seeking another five-year permit. Residents nearby in Matthews have spent 20 years trying to get it shut down, and are hoping new federal air quality guidelines will help them succeed. [News Source]

US Airways plane again causes illness. Nine people were taken to Carolinas Medical Center on Tuesday morning after complaining of symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic fumes on a flight preparing to leave Charlotte for Jamaica. [News Source]

Environmentalists warn Surry coal plant will endanger Hampton Roads. Environmental activists warned Tuesday that air pollution from the proposed Cypress Creek power plant could hamper development and create health problems in Hampton Roads. [News Source]

Payout offered to 9/11 dust plume victims. The legal fight over the health risks posed by the giant dust plume that formed when the World Trade Center in New York City collapsed may come to an end before the scientific dust settles. [News Source]

Groups press EPA to strengthen smog controls. Six environmental groups in Pittsburgh marked National Clean Air Day Tuesday by urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to follow through on plans to strengthen health-based smog controls. [News Source]

Valley air too sensitive for incineration: UBC prof. A new study commissioned by the Fraser Valley Regional District is strongly advising against adding any new sources of air pollution to the already sensitive Fraser Valley airshed. [News Source]

Fujairah quarry closed for environmental violations. Another quarry has been closed in Fujairah for violation of environmental measures and failure to reduce air pollution caused by large dust clouds, the Ministry of Environment and Water said. [News Source]