US environmental regulators let more incinerators burn disaster debris

US environmental regulators just made it easier to use certain types of incinerators during disaster recovery. This means more options for quickly disposing of waste after hurricanes or other emergencies, without needing to meet full air quality rules.

After a disaster, communities often struggle with huge amounts of debris, from trees to damaged homes. Getting rid of it quickly is crucial for recovery, but existing rules could slow down the process. This change means local governments and contractors have more flexibility to use temporary burning solutions, which can speed up cleanup and reduce health hazards from rotting waste. It also means more air pollution in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.