1/8: New smog limits could be challenging for NC, US

News & Observer: New smog limits could be challenging for NC, US

Much of North Carolina would flunk the federal pollution standards in a nationwide proposal Thursday to require tougher limits on smog. The federal Environmental Protection Agency's new limits are the strictest so far.

The new standards will put hundreds of counties across the nation out of compliance and force local officials to find creative new ways to squeeze more pollution reductions from transportation, heavy industry and residents.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Opinion: How Alabama can meet justice needs

ARKANSAS: Schools in state scramble for federal money

FLORIDA: South Florida schools face mid-year budget crisis

GEORGIA: Homeowners in state could lose $13 billion in property values in next two years

KENTUCKY: New mining procedures to cut down on dumping of coal waste

LOUISIANA: Much of New Orleans area to be out of compliance with new EPA ozone standards

MISSISSIPPI: State denies Allstate's bid to raise insurance rates by 65%

SOUTH CAROLINA: State legislature says cigarette tax is likely this year

TENNESSEE: Legislative agenda's top issues: budget cuts, education

VIRGINIA: State tightens rules on car-title lending

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