Michigan officials have rejected proposed changes to air-pollution permit rules that could have limited the number of toxic chemicals regulated by the state.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on Monday announced it would "retain strong protection of public health" with the decision.
The agency says "significant public concerns" were expressed during the comment period on the proposed changes.
The state says the proposed changes would have restricted DEQ authority to about 600 chemicals.
DEQ Air Quality Chief Lynn Fiedler says in a statement: "We agree with the public's concerns about potential risks to health and will retain our strong air toxic program."
The DEQ says other proposed changes to air-pollution permit rules, including those on toxic screening levels, could move forward.
Public review opportunities are planned.
