EPA puts new emission limits on Arizona power plants FLAGSTAFF,
Ariz. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has imposed
new pollution limits on three coal-fired Arizona power plants,
aiming to protect the environment and air quality for wilderness
areas and landmarks such as the Grand Canyon. The EPA set limits
for the Cholla, Coronado and Apache generating stations that
will require technology upgrades to keep 22,700 tons of nitrogen
oxide out of the air each year. State officials quickly
denounced the decision Friday, saying it needlessly was harsh,
would require a $500 million investment by utilities and will
make electricity more expensive for consumers. ``We are
disappointed that EPA would choose to unilaterally decide what's
best for Arizona rather than'' partner with the state Department
of Environmental Quality on a proposal, said department director
Henry Darwin. He added that any air quality improvements,
specifically a reduction in haze that obscures mountains and
sunsets and can make breathi