AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry is asking President Barack Obama to use his executive authority to prevent or delay implementation of stricter pollution standards.
The standards go into effect beginning Jan. 1. Texas' largest energy companies say they don't have adequate time to meet the deadlines without shutting down plants and jeopardizing the reliability of Texas' electric grid.
In a Monday letter to Obama that was obtained by The Associated Press, Perry said implementation of the rules will have an "immediate and devastating effect" on the Texas economy and its ability to supply electricity. Perry released the letter as he tries to shore up support among conservatives in Republican presidential bid.
The rules are designed to significantly reduce smog and soot pollution by requiring 27 states to decrease smokestack emissions.
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