EPA, New Mexico and PNM Outline Approach to Address Regional Haze

EPA News Release:

EPA, New Mexico and PNM Outline Approach to Address Regional Haze 

(DALLAS – February 15, 2013) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joins the State of New Mexico and Public Service of New Mexico (PNM) in announcing a key step in a 6-month effort to develop a technical alternative to a federally implemented clean-air plan for the State of New Mexico. The announcement comes after many months of constructive discussions among the EPA, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) to address pollution controls at the San Juan Generating Station power plant near Farmington, New Mexico.

The agreement outlines the elements of a State plan that would replace the existing federal plan for reducing regional haze and increasing visibility at several national parks and monuments. The shared goal throughout these discussions has been to replace the federal plan with an alternative strategy which achieves federal Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements. The alternative was made possible following the EPA’s decision to grant an administrative stay of a federal clean-air plan taking effect last July in response to the state's request to consider an alternative approach to achieving environmental goals. 

“Productive dialogue and shared goals to protect the environment and public health have allowed us to reach this point,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "We will continue building on today's success with NMED Secretary David Martin and PNM COO Ron Talbot to find an acceptable alternative that satisfies Clean Air Act requirements and serves the environmental and economic interests of New Mexico and the region. Also, we will continue to closely consult with President Shelly to ensure Navajo Nation interests are successfully addressed.” 

The completion of these negotiations allows New Mexico to begin its public process for establishing a state plan to meet federal CAA requirements and replace the federal plan. In the upcoming months, the State will complete the necessary actions to submit a state implementation plan (SIP) for the San Juan Generating Station power plant for EPA's consideration. Upon approval, the state plan would replace the federal implementation plan.

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