EPA considers tougher requirements for cutting smog

WASHINGTON (AP) - State and local officials are waiting to hear whether they'll have to cut air pollution even more to protect people from respiratory illness.

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to announce today whether it will tighten the federal health standard for ozone, or smog.

That could leave hundreds of counties falling short of having what the federal government considers healthy air.

A variety of industry groups have been lobbying the EPA and the White House in recent weeks to keep current standards.

Most health experts say the current guidelines don't adequately protect public health.

EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson has told Congress that science shows that the current standard, enacted more than 10 years ago, must be tightened. But he isn't expected to lower it as much as health experts say is needed.