Desert Rock Air Permit Remanded
Good news for the Four Corners region and everyone downwind of the proposed Desert Rock Coal Power Plant. The EPA has been ordered to remand (i.e. revoke) the Air (pollution) Permit that had been granted to Desert Rock Energy Company LLC. The Environmental Appeals Board held that the permit had not properly considered the possibility of CO2 capture. Coal-fired power plants have many other dirty problems beyond CO2 emissions, including mercury and other heavy metals pollution. But perhaps most notable is the problem that Carbon-capture coal plants simply don't exist!
I'm certain that Desert Rock and the Dine Power Authority aren't done yet. But hopefully this will provide another chance for clean wind and solar power in the Four Corners region of New Mexico.
More Info:
Environmental Appeals Board - Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC Remand Order
NY Times - E.P.A. Ordered to Reconsider New Mexico Power Plant Permit
Durango Herald - Desert Rock, Navajos' real opportunity is green
