Detroit air quality rules are now based on current pollution levels, not old ones

US environmental regulators are proposing to officially declare that the Detroit area meets federal sulfur dioxide air quality standards. This means the city will no longer be subject to special pollution reduction plans.

For years, Detroit had to follow specific plans to reduce sulfur dioxide pollution, even as local air quality improved. This change means the city can now manage its air quality under less restrictive rules. It also means that the US environmental regulators are catching up to actual conditions on the ground.