EPA Seeks Delay of Lawsuit over "Comparable Fuels" Rule

Date: April 22, 2009

Source: News Room

The US EPA is seeking a one-year delay in a lawsuit brought by activists against the Bush agency's last-minute controversial "comparable fuels" rule that increased the number of hazardous wastes that can be burned as fuel without being subject to strict federal waste-management requirements. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a motion on April 16 with the US Court of Appeals to hold the suit (Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN), et al. v. EPA, et al.) in abeyance for one year while the new administration reviews the rule. The motion says the delay is vital given the "concomitant possibility that the regulation might be altered or withdrawn" once EPA completes its review. Earthjustice filed the suit March 18 on behalf of LEAN and the Sierra Club.

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