New Hampshire must now show how it will clean up its regional haze
What happened
US environmental regulators have approved New Hampshire's plan to reduce regional haze. This means the state now has a formal strategy to improve air visibility in national parks and wilderness areas.
Why it matters
Every state must periodically update its plan to reduce regional haze, which is air pollution that makes distant objects look blurry. These plans set specific targets and actions for industries and power plants. This approval means New Hampshire's plan is now legally binding, and the state must follow through on its commitments to clean the air.
The signal
Watch for New Hampshire's next progress report to see if the state is meeting its haze reduction targets, or if industries challenge the new requirements.