He declined to comment directly on the new lawsuit yesterday.

Those who accept the settlement are still free to file new lawsuits against the company in the future.

Industry officials said new lawsuits would be counterproductive and delay air quality improvements.

Officials at the agency confirmed the policy shift, but said some new lawsuits were still possible.

But another attorney believes that the case, far from discouraging legal actions, will bring new lawsuits.

Insurance experts and lawyers outside the case said they expected a flurry of new lawsuits.

It also will usually state that this case cannot be resurrected with a new lawsuit based on related issues.

A new lawsuit against the project by a coalition of elected officials and community groups was begun Tuesday.

Four years ago, the broadcasters brought a new lawsuit challenging the rules.

The new lawsuit seeks to overturn the trial court's ruling.