The EPA has submitted a report to President Bush which recommends reform in pollution prevention and energy efficiency. The review found that current programs impede or cancel projects which would maintain or improve reliability, efficiency or safety of existing power plants and refineries. Opponents say the revisions loosen requirements to install pollution controls.(09-02BD78-15)

Data released in March 2002 states that long-term exposure to tiny particles of soot and dust in air pollution significantly increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and heart disease. Researchers at NYU School of Medicine and at Brigham Young University led the study, which analyzed data from about 500,000 U.S. adults who were followed from 1982 to 1998 as part of a cancer study. By linking the data to air pollution levels, the researchers were able to show that the number of lung cancer deaths increases by 8 percent for every 10 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic meter of air and the number of deaths from heart disease increases 6 percent. The EPA set annual average limits on fine particulate matter to 15 micrograms per cubic meter in 1997. Coal and diesel fuel are the major sources of the particulates. (Ed Note: This may be one more answer to why we need more integrated batteries, fuel cells and photovoltaics.) (05-02 BD74-9)