News roundup: La. group joins suit against EPA over refinery emissions … N.O. distillery releases Buck 25 infusion vodka … Apple CEO says Apple 'extremely sorry' for maps

Published Sep 28, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated Sep 28, 2012)

Breathe in the air: The Louisiana Bucket Brigade and seven other environmental groups around the nation are suing the Environmental Protection Agency to force the agency to cut air emissions of the most toxic, cancer-causing chemicals released by 150 oil refineries in 32 states. The suit contends EPA's rules are based on inaccurate estimates of emissions released by refineries and allow the use of outdated technology. Under the Clean Air Act, standards to reduce risks to people are to be reconsidered every eight years. Environmentalists charge that EPA has not done enough to reduce emissions. In early September, EPA submitted proposed emissions regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review.

The harder stuff: Most vodkas are 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume. The 125-proof Buck 25 from New Orleans' Atelier Vie offers extra firepower. Jedd Haas, president of the Mid-City distillery in New Orleans, tells The Times-Picayune his company created the newly released vodka for infusion instead of inebriation. The higher alcohol content, he says, better extracts the flavors from fruits and spices. "We see this as a secret ingredient for local chefs and bartenders who want to do their own thing," he says of the cane sugar–based, 62.5% alcohol by volume vodka. "You can get Everclear at 190 proof, but I don't know if it's fit for drinking." Check out the full story here.

Get lost: Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company is "extremely sorry" for the frustration that its new maps application has caused and is doing everything it can to make the app better. In an open letter to customers posted on Apple's site today, Cook says that Apple "fell short" in its commitment to make the best possible products for its customers. Apple released an update to its iPhone and iPad operating system last week that replaced Google Maps with Apple's own maps application—and many customers have since complained that the new maps have fewer details, lack public transit directions and misplace landmarks, among other problems.