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A federal appeals court in the United States has sided with critics of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) powerplant emissions regulation and temporarily blocked part of the rule from taking effect. The decision was a disappointment to EPA, but it was welcomed by those challenging the regulation, including several state attorneys general and environmental groups. In a December 24, 2003, ruling, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a stay of part of the "new source review" rules of EPA that outline when plant upgrades go beyond routine maintenance and trigger Clean Air Act requirements for installing updated pollution-control technology.

Reports on plans of Thailand for comprehensive solutions to its pollution problems. Mission of Thai officials in North America for technological help; Briefings in six cities; Increase in industrial plants; Changes in environmental laws; Political sensitiveness of enforcement; Growth in environmental services market.