Emails show ‘cozy’ ties between EPA, environmental group over power-plant rules, senator says

Newly released emails detail what Republicans say are "cozy" ties between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a top environmental advocacy group, raising questions about the group's influence -- and participation -- in the Obama administration's so-called "War on Coal."

One 2010 exchange even shows the agency's future boss and a senior environmental lawyer praising each other over a legal settlement, though they ostensibly were on opposing sides of that case.

The emails, released by Republicans on the Senate environment committee, come as GOP lawmakers pursue an investigation into possible "collusion" between the EPA and the Natural Resources Defense Council in drafting what they claim are onerous federal regulations on coal-fired power plants and other sectors.

Lawmakers and industry groups have long questioned how much influence the NRDC has in guiding far-reaching environmental regulations proposed under the Obama administration. The new emails reflect, at least, a close relationship between top EPA officials and advocates with the organization.

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