Two agencies that regulate air quality failed to enforce 32 anti-smog measures that they agreed to implement, a federal judge ruled in a lawsuit filed by environmental groups.
The ruling Monday against the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the state Air Resources Board means the agencies will have to abide by the rules they set with the Environmental Protection Agency."This is a win for everyone who breathes," said Todd Campbell, policy-maker for one of the plaintiffs, Coalition for Clean Air. "This is a victory for all of us and those adversely impacted by dirty air. The bad news is, tons of smog-causing chemicals already have escaped into the atmosphere."
It was not clear whether any monetary damages would be assessed.