States Unite to Sue EPA Over Wood-Burning Stove Standards

Attorneys general from 10 states, including Massachusetts, 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 current standards are inadequate and that its testing and certification program is ineffective. They claim that the continued sale of appliances that do not meet cleaner standards undermines programs aimed at improving air quality. The EPA's Office of Inspector General has previously found flaws in the agency's performance standards for wood heaters. The EPA declined to comment on the pending litigation.