The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved an amendment to Pennsylvania's smog control plan that includes requirements to reduce paint fumes that contribute to the air quality problem.

The EPA approved the amendment Monday to comply with the deadline set in a January 2003 settlement agreement with environmental groups. The groups had mounted a court challenge to the EPA's decision to designate the seven-county Pittsburgh region as in compliance with the federal health standard for ozone, the principal component of smog.

The amendment to the State Implementation Plan sought by Earthjustice for the Group Against Smog and Pollution and the Sierra Club also requires the state to put into effect contingency plans for reducing unhealthy emissions from industrial solvent users, portable fuel containers and household goods.