Environmental groups are signaling potential lawsuits over the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision not to put monetary estimates on the health benefits of curbing critical forms of air pollution. EPA intends to cease accounting for the health benefits of reducing fine particulate matter and ozone in its industry regulations.
Bracewell’s Jeff Holmstead, a senior EPA air official in President George W. Bush’s administration, told Axios the Clean Air Act doesn’t force EPA to monetize benefits, nor do any court decisions.
“I don’t think the decision to stop this practice will create any legal problems for them, as long as they provide a reasoned explanation for their decisions and a discussion of the benefits,” Holmstead said.
