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The world is being quietly rearranged by people who write very long documents.

Federal Register · June 23, 2025
The title they went with Air Plan Approval; California; San Joaquin Valley 1-Hour Ozone Area; Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request Noisy translates that to

California's San Joaquin Valley no longer has to meet a 45-year-old smog rule

What happened
US environmental regulators are proposing to declare California's San Joaquin Valley in compliance with a 1979 smog standard. This means the area will no longer face federal penalties or special requirements for that specific air pollutant.
Why it matters
For decades, the San Joaquin Valley has struggled to meet air quality standards, leading to ongoing federal oversight and mandates. This proposal removes a layer of those obligations, specifically for a very old ozone standard. It could make it easier for local industries and developers to operate without the burden of these particular anti-pollution requirements.
The signal
Watch for any legal challenges to this redesignation, especially from environmental groups, which could delay or reverse the change.
If you insist
Read the original →