Appeal decision upholds Navajo Nation's air quality permit

Thursday, March 29, 2012  

The Navajo Nation has the authority to issue air quality permits on the reservation, the appeals board of the Environmental Protection Agency ruled.

In 2009, the tribe issued a permit under the Clean Air Act. The permit set standards for air emissions at a coal-fired power plant operated by Peabody Energy.

The company claimed the tribe exceeded its authority in issuing the permit. Peabody also said it was nearly identical to one issued by the EPA.

The EPA's Environmental Appeals Board disagreed. In a decision dated March 13, the three judge upheld the permit.

Get the Story:
Appeals board upholds Navajo permitting authority (AP 3/29)

EPA Environmental Appeals Board Decision:
Peabody Western Coal Company (March 13, 2012)