By KRWG News
New Mexico – Plans to shutter part of one of the nation's largest coal-fired power plants have been hailed by the conservation community and New Mexico regulators as a victory that will lead to cleaner air for northwestern New Mexico, the Navajo Nation and three neighboring states.
Some community leaders say the problem is that victory comes with economic costs.
Farmington City Councilor Jason Sandel calls the impact of the Four Corners Power Plant and the adjacent Navajo Mine tremendous. He says closing part of the plant and making less work at the mine will affect jobs, support businesses, gross-receipt taxes and royalties for the Navajo Nation.
Arizona's largest utility company announced plans this week to close part of the plant and seek majority ownership of the its remaining two generating units from Southern California Edison.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.