New Analysis Fails to Clear Skies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new analysis of the U.S. President George W. Bush's proposed Clear Skies Act regulating emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. Using a new model with the best scientific and technical information available. The analysis indicates an increase in the number of counties in the eastern U.S. attaining existing ambient standards for fine particulate matter and ozone, as well as greater health benefits than a previous analysis showed. However, the new data have failed to bring opponents and supporters of the legislation any closer to agreement. One of the key points of contention is that Clear Skies lacks any provisions for carbon dioxide regulation.