California air regulators update how they define pollution terms

The US environmental regulators are proposing to approve new definitions for air pollution terms in California's Mojave Desert. This means local air quality rules will now use these updated definitions for enforcement.

Clear definitions are crucial for enforcing environmental rules. When the terms used to measure and regulate pollution are updated, it can change what counts as a violation and how easily those violations can be proven. This seemingly small change can make it easier or harder for regulators to hold polluters accountable.