Environmental groups join San Juan Generating Station appeal

From the Farmington Daily Times - Environmental groups on Tuesday filed a motion to intervene in a case challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ruling that San Juan Generating Station must install new pollution control technology. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver approved the motion to intervene, so the environmental groups will be able to present their position to the court. In Tuesday's decision, the Navajo group Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, Durango, Colo.-based San Juan Citizens Alliance, the National Parks Conservation Association, New Energy Economy and the Sierra Club won the right to participate in the case. "Defending EPA's ability to implement clean air rules will set the stage for nationwide action to reduce dangerous air pollution from antiquated, inefficient coal plants," Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, climate and energy program director at Western Environmental Law Center, said in a prepared statement. Public Service Company of New Mexico, which operates the coal-fired power plant west of Farmington, did not oppose the groups' participation in the case. "It's clearly an important case, and there's room at the table for all voices," PNM spokesman Don Brown said. "Their opinion will be heard, as well as ours." PNM set the case in motion by appealing the EPA's order that the plant must install pricey selective catalytic reduction technology in order to cut pollution. Read more

Environmental groups join San Juan Generating Station appeal