Environment

Clock ticking on Navajo Nation power plant lawsuit

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The clock is ticking on the Navajo Nation's threatened lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency.

The tribe's law firm, Bracewell & Giuliani, plans to sue EPA unless the agency takes action on a a permit for a proposed coal-fired power plant. The 60-day clock started ticking on January 17.

"We received a letter from EPA saying they hoped to act soon, but that's what they've said for the last two months," attorney Frank Maisano told The Farmington Daily Times.

The tribe and its partner, Sithe Global Power, plan to build a $3 billion power plant near Shiprock, New Mexico. The tribe says the project will generate $50 million in annual revenues and 400 permanent jobs.

Navajo environmentalists oppose the plant. Diné CARE released a report that said the plant will harm the environment.

Get the Story:
Desert Rock issue: An even poll split (The Farmington Daily Times 2/21)

Relevant Links:
Desert Rock Clean Air Act Proposed PSD Permit - http://www.epa.gov/region09/air/permit
Desert Rock Energy Project, BIA site - http://www.desertrockenergy.com
Desert Rock Energy Project, company site - http://www.desertrockenergyproject.com
Dine Citizens Against Ruining our Environment - http://www.dinecare.org