Energy providers in Texas want smog target reprieve

Texas energy producers are demanding more time to comply with air quality targets set out by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Electricity providers in the state claim that the January 2012 deadline for reduced smog is unattainable and will result in power outages during Texas's summer months.

The demand comes after President Barack Obama abandoned plans to make air quality regulation in the US even stricter - a move that was welcomed by industry but lambasted by environmental campaigners.

Mr Obama announced on Friday (September 2nd) - in light of the shaky economic recovery and "regulatory burdens" - that he had requested the withdrawal of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards draft legislation.

Texas has 19 coal-fired power stations - many more than other states across the country - and it is hoping to build nine more, undermining the goal to cut CO2 emissions and improve air quality by cutting smog.

Posted by Lauren Steadman