DENVER—In a settlement with conservation groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to give final approval next year of plans to address haze in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and North Dakota.
A judge still must approve the settlement filed last week in federal court in Denver.
WildEarth Guardians and others had said the EPA violated the Clean Air Act when it missed deadlines to approve the states’ plans for addressing air pollution or to develop federal plans for the states. WildEarth Guardians said Tuesday the states’ proposals would retire or retrofit at least 18 coal-fired power plants.
The settlement includes deadlines for the EPA to give final approval of the haze plans in 2012.
The federal government also agreed to pay $23,545 to WildEarth Guardians for litigation costs.
