Ala. Environmental Agency Under Fire For Smokestacks Proposal ANNISTON, AL (APR - Alabama Public Radio ) - Alabama's environmental management agency is being accused of trying to ease air quality standards on the state's biggest polluters. But the Alabama Department of Environmental Management says its proposal is more stringent on smokestacks than a previous one.

Critics at the Alabama Environmental Council contend the state is relaxing restrictions to benefit private industry.

The proposal was approved unanimously Aug. 22 by the Alabama Environmental Management Commission and awaits clearance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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