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Commentary: Environmental justice for Navajos
Wednesday, July 26, 2006

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its draft of the clean air permit for the proposed Desert Rock Energy Project power plant on the Navajo Nation in San Juan County last week, and I couldn't help but wonder how this proposed power plant would fit with the state's new principle of environmental justice.

Some Navajos who live in the area where the power plant is planned have held demonstrations opposing the plant and have begun collecting signatures for a petition to be sent to both Richardson and Navajo Nation leaders expressing their dissatisfaction, according to The Associated Press.

Given the principles of environmental justice, opponents would seem to be on solid ground. There are already two coal-burning power plants in the region, and mercury levels similar to those on the East Coast.

It is no coincidence that these power plants have clustered in a region where land is cheap and the nearby population is sparse and, to a large extent, impoverished. Adding a third power plant will only compound the problem."

Get the Story:
Walt Rubel: Environmental Justice in real life (The Carlsbad Current 7/26)

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

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Navajos worried about power plant emissions (7/25)
EPA sets high standards for Navajo power plant (7/21)
Photos show Navajo opposition to power plant (7/19)
Navajo Nation power plant reduces emissions (05/19)
Navajo Nation Council OKs power plant lease (5/15)
Dine group seeks to stop power plant on Navajo Nation (06/16)
BIA holds hearings on reservation power plant (03/29)
EPA seeks to reduce mercury from power plants (03/16)
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EPA proposes rule to curb power-plant emissions (3/11)
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Report faults EPA for mercury rule favoring industry (3/8)
Bush nominates career scientist as head of EPA (3/7)
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