Delaware must now enforce air pollution limits during factory startups and shutdowns

US environmental regulators are forcing Delaware to change its air pollution rules. The state can no longer allow factories to ignore pollution limits during startup, shutdown, and malfunction events.

For years, many states allowed factories to pollute more during specific operational periods, claiming these events were unavoidable. This change means Delaware must now hold factories accountable for all emissions, regardless of operational phase. This could lead to cleaner air in areas near industrial facilities and force companies to invest in better pollution controls or operational procedures.