After Literally Decades Of Pollution, EPA Moving To Shut Down 2 Dirtiest Units At San Juan Plant
FRISCO — After years of back and forth over the toxic pollution spewing from the San Juan Generating Station in the Four Corners region, The EPA and PNM New Mexico have reached an agreement to address air quality issues by shutting down two of the dirtiest coal-burning units.
Conservation groups say the plan is a step in the right direction, but will scrutinize the deal to make sure it complies with clean air regulations. Replacing coal with natural gas only delays the needed transition away from fossil fuels to a renewable energy future, said Mike Eisenfeld, of San Juan Citizens Alliance.
”Closure of two units at SJGS is in line with the economic realities that coal is in decline as a way to generate electricity,” said Mike Eisenfeld of San Juan Citizens Alliance. “We are greatly concerned over the replacement of coal … with natural gas, when proven renewable energy, specifically solar at the SJGS site, should be the preferred replacement.”
“Despite facing extreme pressure to allow weaker standards, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 6 … released adequate requirements for the San Juan Generating Station, which finally bring it in line with the standards dictated by the Clean Air Act’s regional haze rule,” said National Parks Conservation Association Clean Air Counsel Stephanie Kodish.
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http://summitcountyvoice.com/2013/02/25/epa-moves-to-clear-the-air-in-four-corners-region/