I'm coughing, and spluttering. With rage and righteous anger. We all know that Bush, Inc. has little time for Science As We Know It, but this is well-nigh beyond belief. Sayeth WaPo:
The dispute involved one of two distinct parts of the EPA's ozone restrictions: the "public welfare" standard, which is designed to protect against long-term harm from high ozone levels. The other part is known as the "public health" standard, which sets a legal limit on how high ozone levels can be at any one time.
I mean, seriously, when your own best ...
...scientists and EPA administrators are setting in place a revision of ozone standards in order to at least slightly tackle ozone ingestion in this country, is it really a good idea to ring them up at the last minute and insert your ignorance where it Doesn't Belong??
The Environmental Protection Agency weakened one part of its new limits on smog-forming ozone after an unusual last-minute intervention by President Bush, according to documents released by the EPA.
As far as it goes, perhaps the Decider does have to legal authority to "consult" with the EPA administrator and "offer Decideradorial input," but this just seems like terrible policy in this day and age.