Groups file in support of EPA lawsuit
A coalition of environmental groups has entered the fray in Power New Mexico’s fight against installing pollution controls at its San Juan Generating Station. The Western Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice filed a motion Tuesday in federal court to intervene on the side of the EPA, which mandated PMN install the controls. PNM fired back late summer, appealing the EPA rule that would require installation of strong pollution controls at the San Juan power plant.

Tuesday’s motion, which was accepted by New Mexico’s 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, was filed in conjunction with New Energy Economy, San Juan Citizens Alliance, National Park Conservation Association, Diné Citizens Against Ruining our Environment and the Sierra Club.

“Normally when you have an interest in a case, you intervene to make sure your interests are considered,” said Mike Eisenfeld, San Juan Citizen Alliance’s Staff Organizer for New Mexico Energy Issues. “It’s a pretty common thing. We are basically saying, ‘We have standing and that this is something that affects us.’”

The EPA-required upgrades, “selective catalytic reduction,” would reduce the 40-year-old coal-fired plant’s emissions of nitrogen oxide by 90 percent.

Such controls are widely used at more than 208 coal plants nationwide. Located near Farmington, the San Juan station is one of America’s largest single sources of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Each year, it emits more than 8.5 million tons of carbon pollution and consumes more than 9.3 billion gallons of water.

“Hundreds of coal plants all over the country are using these controls to dramatically cut the pollution that’s so harmful to public health – it’s become an industry standard,” said Mariel Nanasi, executive director of New Energy Economy. “Our health and our air are no less important than anywhere else, and PNM shouldn’t be holding New Mexico back.”

Through its appeal, PNM seeks to use lesser pollution controls than those mandated by EPA.  According to PNM, the retrofits would place an undue financial burden on the company and result in the loss of jobs. But Eisenfeld argues the pollution has already resulted in economic loss by affecting tourism and residents’ health. He also notes that updating the aging power plant will actually create jobs. “We take offense to the idea that PNM constantly talks about the fact that they’re going to be forced to take on all this investment, when all they want to do is pass it onto rate payers. And installing pollution controls would create a ton of jobs around here.”

If PNM wins its appeal, environmental groups say the plant will continue clouding local skies and harming public health. They also worry about the precedent such a ruling will set nationwide. “The case does have national implications,” says Eisenfeld. “It challenges the EPA’s authority. It’s a pretty seminal case.”

FLC plans Occupy Wall Street forums
The Occupy Wall Street movement is about to get a little more coordinated, at least locally. For more than a month, protestors have been demonstrating across the country, including here in Durango, in a unified if not somewhat vague front against corporate greed, social injustice and economic discontent. Last weekend, Durango Police cited 13 protesters for trespassing when they refused to leave Fassbinder Park, where they had been holding an “overnight vigil.” According to City ordinance, it is illegal to camp within city limits or engage in activity in city parks after midnight without a permit.

But just what does it all mean? In an effort to better define this, Fort Lewis College’s Center for Civic Engagement has launched a series of forums, “Voices in Action; Occupy Wall St. Democracy in Motion.” The first forum was held Wednesday, with two more planned for Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, 3:30-5 p.m. in the college’s Vallecito Room.

“One of the key things is trying to create dialogue and an avenue for people to communicate different perspectives,” said Carol Clark, community-based learning and research coordinator for the Center. “It’s a chance to communicate about what is happening on a larger national level. No one’s been doing that. What does it mean for people to gather in any capacity? What are some of the things they are wanting to accomplish?”

Clark said she has been collecting various information, media clips, photos or articles for the forums, which will include a 45-minute viewing of such clips followed by 45-minute discussion. One of the clips she has found most informative is a youtube video by Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., called “Occupy Wall Street in Less than 1 Minute.”

“It answers a lot of stuff,” Clark said. “He said exactly what people are mad about. It was pretty right on.”
Clark said students and community members are also invited to submit their own clips, videos, etc. to the Center for consideration.

“Ultimately, what people are discussing affects us as a college and Durango, as a small town,” she said. “We’re trying to understand on a bigger level what is going on in the world, because it’s bigger than New York.”

All community members and students are encouraged to attend the free event and there will be free parking at the college during the forum. For more information, contact the Center for Civic Engagement at 247-7641 or visit www.fortlewis.edu/cblr

Ledger gets his walk of fame
In a short ceremony Tuesday evening, the City of Durango dedicated the plaza in front of City Hall to Robert “Bob” Ledger Jr., who served as Durango’s city manager from 1982 – 2007.  The dedication followed through on a resolution adopted by City Council in July 2007, directing that the plaza be named “in honor of Mr. Ledger’s long and dedicated service to the citizens of Durango.”

Ledger, a Fort ­Lewis College graduate, was instrumental in securing grant funding for the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College as well as the Durango Powerhouse, now home to the Durango Discovery Museum.  Also during his tenure, Durango gained the Animas River Trail, numerous parks and trails, paved streets and alleys, the recreation center, an airport terminal and the new library.  

“We are very pleased to be able to honor Bob in this way,” said Mayor Pro-tem Doug Lyon, who served on City Council during Ledger’s tenure. “For nearly 25 years he helped shape our community and ensured that the City was financially sound and ethically managed. Now, everyone who visits City Hall will know of his accomplishments.”
– Missy Votel