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EPA Approves New Mexico Regional Haze and Visibility Transport Clean-Air Plan

Release Date: 09/26/2014
Contact Information: Joe Hubbard or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

DALLAS – (Sept. 26, 2014) EPA is taking final action approving the New Mexico Regional Haze and Visibility Transport clean-air plan.

“By working together - we have successfully met our shared goal to protect our national treasures,” said Ron Curry, EPA Administrator for Region 6. “The State of New Mexico, PNM, Navajo Nation have lead the effort with many others working to make today a reality - showing how protecting the environment makes economic sense.”

The State plan addresses emissions for the Public Service of New Mexico (PNM) San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) in San Juan County. These actions are as required by the Clean Air Act under the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirement for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and to ensure that emissions from sources in New Mexico do not interfere with programs in other states to protect visibility. Some of the same pollutants that form haze have also been linked to serious health problems and environmental damage, such as respiratory illness and decreased lung function. This action will also protect scenic views at 16 of our nation’s most treasured areas including the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde and Arches National Parks and Bandelier National Monument.

We have worked closely with stakeholders, including PNM and NMED, to address regional haze and arrive at this State Alternative that meets federal requirements. With the State plan now final, we are withdrawing our federal implementation plan (FIP) that is currently in place.

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