The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making an interim decision to delay certain penalties for the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) in California. The delay is because the MDAQMD has updated Rule 1157 to fix issues related to controlling nitrogen oxide emissions. This decision means relief from penalties, initially triggered by EPA's limited disapproval in 2023, may become permanent if the amendments are fully approved following public comments. The EPA is allowing the public to comment on this decision until January 27, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The EPA is saying "pause" to the penalties they wanted to give a part of California for not cleaning up the air properly. They might skip the penalties for good if the fixes they promised work well and everyone agrees.