Florida utilities struggling to repair infrastructure and restore electricity in the Irma-ravaged state have been given the green light to violate clean air and water standards for two weeks.

The US Environmental Protection Agency said the so-called No Action Assurance granted through Sept. 26 came at the request of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The EPA said the move was in the public’s interest and will provide the state’s utility generators flexibility to maintain and restore electricity supplies in the wake of the storm.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 5.6 million homes and businesses in Florida — about 54 percent of the state — were without electricity. That accounts for about 15 million people.

The EPA’s action allows utilities to operate outside restrictions mandated by their permits, including possibly using dirtier fuels, running for longer hours or bypassing pollution control equipment.

Coal-fired plants also can discharge wastewater with levels of toxic heavy metals at higher concentrations than what would normally be allowed.

The utilities are still required to monitor and report the levels of regulated contaminants in their air emissions and water discharges, according to the letter.

Air pollution levels spiked in the Houston area last week after a similar enforcement waiver was granted to Texas petrochemical facilities ahead of Hurricane Harvey‘s arrival.

With Post wires