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California Regulators Want Pollution Rules On Non-Existent Technologies

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- The California Supreme Court said regulators may require pollution controls on future technologies that don't exist.

Monday's unanimous decision is a victory for air pollution agencies that set standards intended to spur the development of new, greener technology.

Paint manufacturers had sued the South Coast Air Quality Management District over standards that limited the use of pollution-causing substances in paints and other coatings.

The suit said rules should rely on the best available technology.

But the court rejected that argument, saying air pollution agencies may require pollution controls based on technologies that do not exist but may be reasonably anticipated.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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