EPA, Texas Reach Deal on Clean Air Plan

DALLAS (AP) — Federal and state environmental officials have reached a deal on portions of the Texas clean air plan after years of contention.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed Wednesday that the conditional agreement on state permits allows some operating flexibility for major air pollution sources, such as refineries.

The deal comes after years of bickering between the federal and state agencies over environmental regulations. Almost four years ago, the EPA moved to overturn a long-term permitting program it said didn't meet federal clean air rules.

The plan would require continuous monitoring of separate operating units under a general cap of emissions.

The state agency's governing commission will review the deal Feb. 12.