Energy policy makers and regulators from California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Kansas have asked the federal Environmental Protection Agency to delay implementation of restrictions on greenhouse gases generated by industries, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Of primary concern is the EPA proposal, scheduled to become effective as early as spring, which would require facilities emitting 25,000 tons or more of greenhouse gases to obtain construction and operating permits.

State regulators -- using guidelines the EPA is expected to publish this year -- would have to determine and approve whether these entities have demonstrated they are using the best available technology to minimize their emissions. Concerns include the need to revise state rules, which often are less strict, and funding to pay for the new oversight, possibly by levying fees.

William Becker, executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, said many organization members believe the EPA has underestimated how many sources would newly fall under state and local regulatory review. The association has asked EPA to delay implementation until 2011.