The Hidden Pollution Rule That Keeps American Air Dirty
A legal loophole in the Clean Air Act called the "exceptional events rule" has allowed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exclude pollution caused by natural events, including wildfires, from clean air tallies in over 70 counties, misleading regulators and the public about the true air quality. This loophole has been exploited by local regulators in 21 states, with industry lobbyists often pushing for the exclusion of exceptional events. Critics argue that this rule not only obscures the health risks of pollution but also undermines the effectiveness of the Clean Air Act, especially in the face of the climate crisis. The increasing use of the exceptional events rule for wildfires is of particular concern, as smoke pollution poses a significant threat to public health.