The Obama administration took steps this week to cut levels of smog-forming pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory problems, but meeting the stricter emissions limits is expected to cost industry billions of dollars.
Utilities that operate coal-fired power plants in the Southwest, oil and gas operations throughout New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado and other businesses could feel the pinch.
If counties run afoul of the proposed ozone regulations, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association says that could stifle growth in the region.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ozone levels in more than 30 counties in the three western states are already above the standards being considered.
Environmentalists argue this should be a wake-up call for state regulators to do more to tackle emissions.
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