The Washington Post called the decision a big win for business.  The business community asked to the EPA to postpone enactment of the regulations due to economic uncertainty.

Republicans also rallied against the plan saying it would be a “job killer in uncertain times” according to the Chicago Tribune.

The EPA had previously faced pressure from business groups and Republicans and had postponed enacting the smog reduction policy several times.

Environmental groups criticized the president’s decision.

"The Obama administration is caving to big polluters at the expense of protecting the air we breathe. This is a huge win for corporate polluters and huge loss for public health," said Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters.

The White House fired back at critics, posting a statement on its website extolling the administration’s environmental policy.  The full statement can be read here.