New York sues EPA to obtain VOC data.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (D.) has filed a lawsuit against EPA for withholding records detailing the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) found in paints and coatings manufactured in or imported into the state. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (Albany) says it sought these records almost two years ago, and needs the information to put together a plan for meeting federal air quality standards.

The lawsuit stems from a federal law that limits the VOC content of certain paints and coatings. Under the law, manufacturers can pay a fee to EPA for exceeding these limits. Along with the payment, companies …