EPA board to review Navajo coal plant air permit

News From Indian Country reports:

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appeals board has agreed to review the approval of an air permit for a proposed coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation, but carbon dioxide emissions won’t be part of that process. The EPA issued an air permit for the Desert Rock power plant in July. The state of New Mexico and a group of conservationists sought a review, citing concerns over air quality, carbon dioxide emissions and violations of the Endangered Species Act. The Environmental Appeals Board granted the review in an order filed recently. The board intends to hear oral arguments after allowing the parties to file additional briefs. The only issue that won’t be under review is whether limits on carbon dioxide emissions are required for the plant. The EPA’s regional office in San Francisco withdrew the portion of the permit related to such emissions and opened up a revised statement for public comment.