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In what promises to be one of the most controversial environmental decisions in this Congress, the Clinton administration is nearing a proposal to impose stricter air pollution guidelines for cities and businesses. Environmentalists argue the proposal will improve air quality in areas currently affected by pollution while business proponents and local governments say the regulation will cost thousands of jobs and millions of dollars.
 Although Congressman Jim Gibbons (R-NV) has not worked extensively on the Clean Air provisions, he has had to deal with many federal environmental issues. "Southern Nevada is one of the Nation's fastest growing areas," Gibbons said during discussion of a recent bill. "[But] with over 87 percent of Nevada owned by the Federal Government, ... expansion for our communities is almost impossible."
 Representative Julia Carson (D-IN) has introduced her own piece of legislation to deal with air pollution. Her bill, the Electric Utility Nitrogen Oxide Limitation Act of 1997, would impose limits on the amount of nitrogen utility companies could produce without waiting for the administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to come out with regulations. "While the debate rages on concerning EPA rule making and the States debate standards that will not be in place until 10 years from now, I encourage my colleagues to join me," Carson said upon introducing her bill.
Both Representatives, one pro-environmental the other wary of more regulations, seem doubtful of the EPA's ability to develop guidelines. They have seen it necessary to offer legislation rather than wait for the agency to do it. Is the EPA underfunded? Is it simply too slow and bureaucratic? Or have the issues of clean air and land use become too complicated?
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