Efforts to curb carbon emissions grow in Washington, beyond

A new draft of the state's Clean Air Rule that could put carbon-capping regulations on the two oil refineries in Skagit County is on track to be finalized by September. The state Department of Ecology rule would require stationary sources that emit more than 100,000 metric tons of carbon a year to reduce their emissions by 1.7 percent each year.

Air Pollution: Here’s why regulators want more money to help you breathe easier

The draft plan from the South Coast Air Quality Management District relies on cash incentives of about $1 billion a year for the next decade and beyond for the region to transition to zero or near-zero polluting vehicles, buildings and industries, said Wayne Nastri, the air district's acting executive officer. About half of the money would come from the federal government and thus require congressional approval, Nastri said.

The Latest: Sen. Nelson hopes VW settlement is deterrent

The Latest on the settlement of environmental and consumer claims against Volkswagen over its emissions-cheating scandal : A U.S. senator who is on a committee that investigated the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal says the scheme was one of the most egregious examples of corporate fraud in recent history. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., says the settlement is a victory for consumers and should serve as a deterrent to others "who seek to intentionally deceive the public."

IRS Chief Koskinen Fights First Appointee Impeachment Since 1876

Before he became the top U.S. tax collector and the target of an unprecedented Republican-led impeachment drive, John A. Koskinen majored in physics, guided the country through the "Y2K" problem and ran a foundation that promotes youth soccer. Now, amid a three-year controversy over the Internal Revenue Service's scrutiny of conservative groups, Koskinen, 76, is being re-educated in the exertion of forces, the limits of computer technology and -- according to a predecessor -- the sensation of being kicked around.

EPA gets new powers to regulate toxic chemicals, but progress takes time

The Environmental Protection Agency, led by Gina McCarthy, will have more authority to order safety tests for chemicals and set deadlines for the agency to determine whether dangerous compounds should be restricted or forced off the market. The Environmental Protection Agency, led by Gina McCarthy, will have more authority to order safety tests for chemicals and set deadlines for the agency to determine whether dangerous compounds should be restricted or forced off the market.

High court sides with property owners in wetlands case

The Supreme Court is making it easier for landowners to bring a court challenge when federal regulators try to restrict property development due to concerns about water pollution. The justices ruled unanimously Tuesday that a Minnesota company could file a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the agency's determination that its land is off limits to peat mining under the Clean Water Act.

Congress is about to pass a bill that will regulate products you use each day

Sen. Barbara Boxer embraces Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe during a news conference to announce bipartisan legislation on federal regulation of chemicals. Sen. Barbara Boxer embraces Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe during a news conference to announce bipartisan legislation on federal regulation of chemicals.