Environment groups win battle over air quality

Industrial polluters have had an emissions exemption loophole effectively closed down after the Supreme Court chose not to review a previous ruling that could have had major repercussions on US air quality matters.

The case related to situations where companies were able to dodge the need to uphold regular emissions standards if they claimed to be carrying out "start-up, shutdown and malfunction" processes.

However, the court, which was being asked to review a judgement made in the federal appeals court in 2008, decided to side with the environmental groups and demand continued compliance with the Clean Air Act.

Jim Pew, an attorney with law firm Earthjustice, claimed that nobody disputes the notion that the loophole was against the law.

He remarked: "We're pleased that the court has finally put an end to this litigation. This air pollution exemption has caused terrible suffering in thousands of communities."

Meanwhile, a group of non-profit organisations is suing the European Commission for failing to disclose environmental analysis documents relating to biofuels.