State regulators can now limit public input on smaller air pollution permits

US environmental regulators are giving states more power over how much public input is required for permits related to smaller sources of air pollution. State and local agencies can now decide for themselves if, when, and how much the public gets to weigh in on new factories or modifications that emit less pollution.

This change shifts power from federal oversight to state discretion regarding public involvement in environmental permitting. Local communities might have less say in decisions about new or expanded industrial facilities that affect their air quality, even if those facilities are considered "minor" polluters. It could speed up permitting for some businesses, but it also means less transparency for the public.