Houston air pollution rules for factories get a second look from US regulators

US environmental regulators are re-evaluating how they measure air pollution from factories in the Houston area. This means the rules for how much volatile organic compounds (VOCs) factories can release might change.

For years, factories in Houston have operated under specific pollution limits. This review could either tighten those limits, forcing companies to invest in new control technology, or confirm the existing rules are sufficient. The outcome will affect both the operating costs for industry and the air quality for residents in one of the largest industrial zones in the US.