WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana Bucket Brigade and other environmental groups around the nation are suing the Environmental Protection Agency to force the agency to cut air emissions of the most toxic, cancer-causing chemicals released by 150 oil refineries in 32 states.

The suit contends EPA's rules are based on inaccurate estimates of emissions released by refineries and allow the use of outdated technology.

Under the Clean Air Act, standards to reduce risks to people are to be reconsidered every eight years. Environmentalists charge that EPA has not done enough to reduce emissions.

In early September, EPA submitted proposed emissions regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review.