Seven environmental groups, including Dine Citizens Against Ruining our Environment, are challenging an air permit for the Navajo Nation's proposed power plant.

The Environmental Protection Agency approved an air permit late last month in response to a lawsuit filed by the tribe. DINE Care says the decision was pushed out the door by the Bush administration.

"This permit is another example of the rush by the agency's political appointees to hand out gifts to industry before President Bush leaves office," Dailan J. Long told The Farmington Daily Times.

The challenge was filed before the EPA's Environmental Appeals Board in Washington, D.C. It raises five issues regarding the operation of the $2.5 billion Desert Rock Energy Project near Shiprock, New Mexico.

The coal-fired power plant is a venture between the tribe and Sithe Global Power of Texas. The tribe says the project will generate jobs and revenue.

Get the Story:
Environmental groups challenge Desert Rock decision (The Farmington Daily Times 8/15)
Navajo Nation: Groups challenge EPA permit (AP 8/14)

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