Biden's choice to lead US Environmental Protection Agency stressed state and local input and science-based decision making.

Construction groups praise the rule but environmental organizations strongly oppose it, with lawsuits expected.

Legislation has mix of increases and cuts for infrastructure programs, but positive tax and other non-spending provisions.

Agreement with Lehigh Cement and Lehigh White also calls for $12 million for pollution-control upgrades at 11 plants including one in New York state.

Some view plan as modest improvement from 1991 rule, but critics say it weakens current protections.