MJ Bradley & Associates
12/29/2004

The Bush administration delayed the release of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) until mid-March, despite repeated promises from EPA administrator Leavitt in 2004 that the rule would be finalized by the end of the year.  The administration was convinced to delay the rule in large part by Senator Inhofe, chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee.  Senator Inhofe strongly favors the Clear Skies Act to CAIR or other regulation by EPA, and was able to persuade Bush officials that finalizing the CAIR rule may jeopardize congressional action on the more comprehensive Clear Skies Act.  CAIR regulates only NOx and SO2; Clear Skies also covers mercury and makes substantial regulatory changes in a variety of areas, from New Source Review to residual risk standards.  If the Clear Skies Act or another multi-pollutant bill such as the Clean Air Planning Act is not passed, then the CAIR rule will likely be finalized in March, along with the mercury rule.