New Jersey's clean air rules now apply to offshore oil and gas rigs

US environmental regulators are updating air pollution rules for offshore oil and gas operations near New Jersey. This means that any drilling or production platforms within 25 miles of the state's coast must now follow the same air quality standards as onshore facilities in New Jersey.

For years, offshore operations often faced different, sometimes looser, environmental rules than their onshore counterparts. This change closes that gap for New Jersey, forcing offshore facilities to meet the same standards as local factories and power plants. It means less pollution for coastal communities and a more consistent regulatory landscape for energy companies operating in the area.