LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska utilities say the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed new restrictions on coal plant pollution could force millions of dollars of upgrades and higher electric rates. The rules the EPA announced in July would go into effect in Nebraska and 26 other states next year. They are designed to reduce smokestack pollution that causes smog and soot in downwind states.  Nebraska utility officials tell the Lincoln Journal Star they were surprised by how stringent the proposals were. Several of Nebraska’s bigger utilities have asked state Attorney General Jon Bruning to look into filing a lawsuit to delay the rules. Hastings Utilities manager Marvin Schultes says it’s not possible to comply with these rules by January. Omaha Public Power District spokesman Mike Jones says these rules could be very expensive.