NM Coal-Fired Power Plant Gets Air Permit

We spoke about this in mid-July, and while activists knew it was coming - it's still bad news. Yesterday the EPA granted an air permit for the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant slated to be built on Navajo land in New Mexico. In the news release about the permit, the EPA says it:

"...conducted an exhaustive review of over 1,000 public comment letters submitted to the agency during the comment period. The agency made several improvements to the permit in response to those comments.

"On top of the most stringent controls in the country, the Desert Rock Energy Facility has entered into an agreement with the Navajo Nation to further reduce sulfur dioxide emissions in the area by generating or purchasing sulfur dioxide credits and retiring them. Under the agreement, the company will also contribute additional funds toward environmental improvement projects that would reduce or prevent air pollution. These projects may include purchasing and retiring additional emission reduction credits or allowances, or other studies that would provide a foundation for air quality improvement programs."

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and state environment secretary Ron Curry said they will appeal the permit. More info in this Associated Press article and on the Desert Rock blog.