PHOENIX (AP) — Federal officials are moving toward formally rejecting Maricopa County's air quality plan for metro Phoenix, saying it doesn't adequately control emissions of soot and other small particulates.
The Environmental Projection Agency says it will make a final decision in January after reviewing public comments. But it says there could be federally imposed cleanup measures if state and local officials don't develop a stronger compliance plan.
The EPA's filing Friday of a formal proposal was expected because agency officials previously rejected the state's contention that unusual events such as dust storms resulted in violations of standards for particulates.
The EPA says what's at stake are health hazards and the area's eligibility for federal highway funding.
