It's official. Environmental groups are disenchanted enough with the Obama administration that they've decided to hit it with the same tactic they used for Bush, a tactic that the environmental movement has relied on since time immemorial to get done what needs to be done: suing the crap out of the government.

Today, a suite of environmental groups that includes NRDC, EDF and Earthjustice revived a 2008 lawsuit they'd first brought against the Bush administration. Its aim is to keep people from breathing nasty, dirty, health-threatening air by forcing the government to tighten smog standards.

Reader support helps sustain our work. Donate today to keep our climate news free. All donations DOUBLED!

The Obama administration was going to do that on its own; now it's not planning to. No one likes improving the environment via legal brief. But the Obama administration hasn't left many other options open.

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.