More than a dozen environmentalists stand outside the Ohio Statehouse, singing their brand of Christmas carols.

And the yuletide carolers were visited by Santa himself.  He said he’s glad the quality of air in the country is improving.

“Over the years and there’ve been many, it’s begun to improve somewhat.  However, we do have a ways to go yet.  I do get grumblings from my dry cleaner, however, because he doesn’t have to clean suits as often as when he used to with fewer chimneys.”

Opponents of the new environmental regulations say they will drive up the cost of doing business.  And the coal industry notes its product is much cleaner these days due to improvements made at coal fired power plants.