Fairbanks gets more time to argue about its dirty air plan

US environmental regulators are giving Fairbanks, Alaska, another 30 days to comment on its plan to clean up fine particulate matter in the air. This means local officials and residents have more time to push back on the proposed rules for reducing pollution.

The city of Fairbanks has struggled for years with some of the worst winter air pollution in the US. This extension means the public can provide more input on how the city plans to meet federal air quality standards, which could affect local industry and residents. The rules could force changes in how people heat their homes or how local businesses operate.