Activists push for more solar to replace coal power

Sep 26 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - The Santa Fe New Mexican

 

Activists on Thursday delivered 6,000 cards and letters to the state Public Regulation Commission in Santa Fe asking regulators to require more renewable energy in a plan to replace coal-fired power from the San Juan Generating Station.

The commission is considering a proposal from Public Service Company of New Mexico to close two coal-fired generating units at San Juan. The company is seeking to replace the power with a combination of nuclear, natural gas, solar and increased capacity in the remaining two coal-fired units.

The proposal to close two units is part of a deal between the state, PNM and the EPA to reduce pollutants that create haze in the Four Corners region. State regulators have to sign off on a deal to replace the power.

Santa Fe City Councilor Chris Rivera spoke during Thursday's event, saying he opposes the addition of coal and nuclear. "I applaud the state of New Mexico, PNM and the EPA efforts to close half of the San Juan Generating station. Yet, what troubles me, what worries me is PNM's replacement power plan," he said. "And clearly I am not alone."

Renewable energy advocates with New Energy Economy, the Sierra Club and Conservation Voters of New Mexico say PNM can boost the amount of renewables in the power replacement plan at an equal or smaller cost to consumers. PNM says the plan the company proposed is the best option for providing reliable power at a reasonable cost.

 

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