ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Three New Mexico utility regulators have shot down an effort by one of their own to support a plan by the state Environment Department for curbing pollution at one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the Southwest.
The Environment Department is at odds with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over which pollution control measures should be installed at the San Juan Generating Station to address haze-causing emissions.
The EPA plan calls for installing equipment that Public Service Company of New Mexico claims could cost ratepayers and others at least $750 million. The state says its plan would cost a fraction of that.
Public Regulation Commissioner Ben Hall contends the EPA is trumping the commission’s authority to make decisions that affect ratepayers.
He decided to withdraw a resolution supporting the state plan after three commissioners voiced concerns during a meeting Tuesday.
