Texas gets a pass on its sulfur dioxide emissions for now

The US environmental regulators are proposing to approve Texas's plan for controlling air pollution that crosses state lines. This means Texas will not have to make immediate changes to reduce its sulfur dioxide emissions, even if they affect neighboring states.

The Clean Air Act requires states to prevent their pollution from harming air quality in other states. This approval means Texas has convinced the US environmental regulators that its current plan is sufficient, at least for sulfur dioxide. This decision could set a precedent for how other states handle their 'good neighbor' obligations, potentially allowing them to avoid stricter controls.