The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing its approval of updates to certain air pollution control policies in California, specifically for Placer County, Antelope Valley, Mariposa County, and Eastern Kern. These updates involve acknowledging that these areas do not need new pollution control measures for the oil and natural gas industry, as there aren't significant emissions from these sources. The approval will be part of the California State Implementation Plan, ensuring it complies with the Clean Air Act standards. This decision takes effect on February 16, 2021, and no public comments were submitted opposing this action.
Simple Explanation
The EPA has checked some places in California and found they don't have much pollution from oil and gas, so they don't need new rules. They've said this is okay, and it's like giving these areas a "thumbs up" for having clean air.