Colorado can no longer excuse air pollution during equipment failures

US environmental regulators have approved Colorado's updated air quality rules. This means industrial facilities in Colorado can no longer claim special exemptions for excess pollution released during equipment startups, shutdowns, or malfunctions.

For years, industrial facilities could pollute more during equipment failures without penalty, claiming these events were unavoidable. This change removes that loophole, forcing facilities to account for all emissions. It shifts the burden of proof onto operators to prevent these excess emissions, rather than simply excusing them.