Washington State can no longer excuse excess pollution from energy plants

US environmental regulators have removed a rule that let Washington State energy facilities avoid penalties for excess pollution during startup, shutdown, and malfunctions. This means these facilities will now be held accountable for all their emissions, even during these specific operational periods.

For years, energy facilities in Washington State could pollute more during specific events without facing federal enforcement. This change removes that loophole. It means that the US environmental regulators can now take action against facilities that exceed pollution limits at any time, not just during normal operations.