Environment
Decision could keep power plant open past 2005


A power plant whose pending shutdown would affect the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation has been given more time to study some key issues.

The Mohave Generating Station in Laughlin, Nevada, supplies power to 4.6 million customers in California. But under an agreement with the California Public Utilities Commission the coal-fired power plant has to upgrade its pollution control equipment by 2005 or face closure.

The power plant gets its coal from mines on the Hopi and Navajo reservations in northeastern Arizona. If the station closes, the tribe will then lose out on millions in coal royalties.

The CPUC says Southern California Edison, the owner of the plant, has to study alternative water sources used for the operation and other options that would help the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation.

Get the Story:
Generating station allowed to continue studies toward avoiding, limiting closure (The Laughlin Nevada Times 12/15)
PUC Oks Edison's Mohave Plant Environmental Upgrade Costs And Renewable Energy Study (PUC 12/2)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us
Peabody Energy - http://www.peabodyenergy.com

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