P.M. BRIEFING : EPA Acts on Canyon Power Plant
The Environmental Protection Agency, trying to reduce haze and improve visibility over the Grand Canyon, said today that it will impose stringent pollution controls on a nearby coal-burning electric power plant.
The EPA said the proposed action will cut sulfur emissions from the Navajo Generating Station in Arizona by 70%, although officials said they hope that the utility will install equipment that will reduce emissions even further.
“Action must be taken now to protect one of Earth’s most priceless natural wonders,” EPA Administrator William K. Reilly said in a statement. The action is the first time that the agency has moved to regulate pollution under the Clean Air Act solely to improve visibility.
The power plant, located 16 miles from the edge of Grand Canyon National Park, is operated by the Salt River Project and burns about 24,000 tons of coal daily.
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