California cement kilns must cut nitrogen oxide emissions
What happened
US environmental regulators are proposing to approve new rules for cement kilns in California's Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District. These rules will require the kilns to reduce their emissions of nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and air pollution.
Why it matters
Cement production is a major source of industrial air pollution. Local air districts often set specific rules for these facilities. This approval means that the local district's plan to reduce pollution from cement kilns can now be enforced under federal law.
The signal
Watch for the final approval of this rule and then whether the affected cement kilns actually reduce their emissions as required.