US environmental regulators close a pollution loophole in Forsyth County

US environmental regulators just tightened air pollution rules for Forsyth County, North Carolina. This means industrial plants there can no longer emit extra pollution during their startup, shutdown, or malfunction events without penalty.

For years, industrial facilities in Forsyth County could claim an exemption for pollution released during specific operational events. This meant they did not have to control those emissions. Now, they must manage pollution during these periods, which will likely mean new investments in equipment or changes to their operating procedures.