Nearly half of US states join GOP lawsuit challenging new EPA rule on deadly soot pollution

By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Twenty-four Republican-led states have filed a lawsuit challenging a new Biden administration rule that sets tougher standards for deadly soot pollution. Republicans say the Environmental Protection Agency rule would raise costs for manufacturers, utilities and families across the country and could block new manufacturing facilities and infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman says the rule has more to do with advancing President Joe Biden’s “radical green agenda” than protecting health or the environment. Coleman is leading the suit along with West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. EPA Administrator Michael Regan says the rule will prevent up to 800,000 asthma attacks and 4,500 premature deaths.