NM Governor Richardson Applauds EPA Request to Remand Desert Rock Permit for Review

Action signals move toward stronger environmental safeguards for Proposed Coal‐Fired Power Plant on Navajo Nation

April 27, 2009 -- (Santa Fe, NM) -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s motion for voluntary remand of the air quality permit for the Desert Rock Energy Facility.

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“I am encouraged by this decision -- it’s a significant victory in our ongoing fight to protect the quality of our air,” said Governor Richardson. “We still have work to do to make sure that this project only moves forward with the proper environmental safeguards. I am pleased the Obama Administration is taking action to reverse the disastrous environmental policies of the Bush Administration."

“Air emissions from Desert Rock would have singlehandedly undone our state’s climate change initiatives,” said New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Ron Curry. “We stand ready to assist EPA Region 9 and the Navajo Nation to make significant improvements to the design of this facility including technologies that will address greenhouse gas emissions."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed a motion today with its Environmental Appeals Board for a voluntary remand of the air permit issued for Desert Rock, according to EPA. The facility would be located in the Four Corners region on the Navajo Nation southwest of Farmington.

EPA’s request will allow the agency to reconsider the parts of the permit that were appealed to the Environmental Appeals Board after the permit was issued on July 31, 2008, according to EPA. The EPA in January withdrew the portion of the permit decision regarding emission limits and controls for emissions of carbon dioxide to seek further comment on the matter. Today's action addresses other issues still under appeal with the Board. The Board will consider the motion filed today and issue an order to grant or deny it. If the motion is granted, the permit will be sent back to the EPA's Pacific Southwest office for further analysis.

Source: New Mexico Governor