Progress reported in VOC rule talks. (volatile organic compounds)

EPA, industry representatives move closer to compromise

Washington, D.C. -- Compromise among participants in the regulatory-negotiation process involving architectural and industrial maintenance coatings appeared to be a greater possibility following a meeting of the EPA's Bruce Jordan and several representatives of the coatings industry, state regulators and environmental groups.

Jordan, the EPA's chief reg-neg representative, said he was hopeful that a "framework" could be developed for compromises acceptable to the parties discussing a national regulation on VOCs in architectural/IM coatings.

A thorn likely be removed from the industry's side in the ongoing negotiations is the …