Brewer, Flake disappointed by EPA plan for plant

CREATED Jan. 18, 2013

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Web Producer: Mekita Rivas

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Republican elected officials say they're disappointed in the federal government's proposal to require pollution control upgrades at a coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation.

The EPA proposed Friday that the Navajo Generating Station in Page reduce haze-causing nitrogen oxide emissions to help clear the air at the Grand Canyon.

The plant's owners say upgrades to pollution controls could come with a price tag of more than $1 billion.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer says "the costs of these controls will be passed to the ratepayers of Arizona and without a commensurate improvement in visibility."

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake says EPA's proposal will "raise water and power rates for tribal and non-tribal communities throughout Arizona." Flake also says it undermines "three decades worth of bipartisan water policy and numerous water-settlement agreements."

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