Washington state must now clean up its air to meet federal haze rules

US environmental regulators have approved Washington state's plan to reduce regional haze. This means the state must now implement specific measures to improve air quality, especially around national parks and wilderness areas.

For years, states have had to submit plans to reduce air pollution that causes regional haze, but the actual implementation and enforcement can vary. This approval means Washington's plan is now legally binding under federal law. It sets a clear path for reducing emissions from sources like industrial facilities and vehicles, which will directly affect air quality in the Pacific Northwest.