10 States File Lawsuit Against EPA Over Wood-Burning Stove Standards

Attorneys general from 10 states, including Alaska, Illinois, and New York, are planning to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its failure to review and enforce emissions standards for residential wood-burning stoves. The states argue that the EPA's inaction has allowed the continued sale of appliances that worsen pollution, undermining programs aimed at improving air quality. They claim that the current standards are inadequate and that the EPA's testing and certification program is ineffective. A report from the EPA's Office of Inspector General found flaws in the agency's 2015 performance standards for wood heaters, stating that certification tests may not accurately reflect real-world conditions. The EPA has declined to comment on the pending litigation.