New York state has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, accusing it of violating the Freedom of Information Act.
State officials say the EPA is violating the FOI Act by refusing to turn over records detailing the levels of smog-causing compounds found in common household and industrial products, such as paints and varnishes, The New York Times reported Wednesday.
New York state has been trying for two years to obtain the records, saying they are needed to create new rules the EPA is requiring by tightening requirements of the Clean Air Act. The records are submitted to the EPA by manufacturers.
Manufacturers claim the records should not be made public since they contain proprietary information including trade secrets.
New York says the EPA has not made a sincere effort to determine, as required by law, whether the companies' claims are valid.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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