Easing of clean-air rules pushed for steel industry

The House, in a move to help the steel industry become more competitive with foreign steel producers, overwhelmingly agreed to give the industry an additional three years to meet clean-air standards. The measure is also expected to be approved by the Senate. The legislation is based on an agreement worked out by representatives of the steel industry, environmenal groups, and the steelworkers' union to encourage investment in plant modernization.

The vote is the fist test of congressional sentiment on the 1970 Clean Air act, up for renewal this year.