A bill facing final action in the New Mexico Legislature would give a $60 million tax break to the company that wants to develop a coal-fired power plant for the Navajo Nation.

Sithe Global is seeking to build a a 1,500-megawatt coal plant near Shiprock, New Mexico. The company has already struck a tax deal with the Navajo Nation to forego an estimated $1.6 billion in property and business taxes during the first 25 years of operation.

The House passed the tax break as part of a larger package. Today is the final day for the Senate to take action on the bill. An amendment was added on Wednesday to provide Navajos who live near the facility with power.

Get the Story:
Navajos, N.M. eye tax cuts for power plant (The Durango Herald 2/16)
Change would provide for Navajo power lines (The Santa Fe New Mexican 2/16)
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Relevant Links:
Clean Air Mercury Rule - http://www.epa.gov/mercuryrule

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