Under the agreement, the states' top environmental officers are to make recommendations on reducing smog by March 15, 2002.

Most of the steps would be required anyway, to reduce smog and keep electric rates as low as possible, the companies said.

However, the idea of adding an extra contaminant to the air in order to reduce smog has little appeal.

California's air quality standards, the most stringent in the nation, have produced considerable progress in reducing smog.

The county, which likes telecommuting because it helps reduce smog, was happy to oblige.

But it also gives the Federal Government more power to crack down on polluters and force cities to reduce smog.

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency said the city's current plans to reduce smog were inadequate.

The second is to strengthen a companion proposal aimed at reducing smog and acid rain.

Early last month, Texas began a program to help reduce smog by 15 percent in its biggest cities.

Many of those differences have to do with tougher requirements in the House bill to reduce urban smog.