Ohio can keep polluting sulfur dioxide at 2010 levels for another decade

US environmental regulators have approved Ohio's plan to maintain sulfur dioxide emissions in one county at levels set in 2010. This means the area will not have to reduce its sulfur dioxide pollution for another ten years.

The Clean Air Act requires areas to show they can maintain air quality standards for 20 years after meeting them. This approval means Ohio has successfully argued that current pollution levels are acceptable for another decade. It locks in the status quo for industrial emissions in this specific area, delaying any potential future requirements for cleaner air.