The State : EPA Warns L.A. on Smog

The federal Environmental Protection Agency, reacting to runaway growth in Los Angeles, has called on the city to impose its own tough anti-smog rules or lose more than $116 million in sewer grants, including money to prevent spills into Santa Monica Bay. Under the most drastic outcome, Los Angeles--as well as nearby cities that use its sewer system--could be forced to halt new construction by private developers. However, both EPA and city officials said talks have remained cordial and are more likely to lead to less severe steps, such as mandatory ride-sharing to reduce air pollution. The situation has the potential for far more impact on the lives of ordinary citizens than an EPA order to clean up sewage discharges into Santa Monica Bay, which was the impetus for a $3.4-billion program to modernize the city sewer system.