ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An environmental group is challenging New Mexico regulators' decision that cleared the way for the partial closure of a coal-fired power plant in the northwest corner of the state.
New Energy Economy filed its appeal with the New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday.
The Santa Fe-based group has been critical of Public Service Co. of New Mexico's plan for replacing the capacity that will be lost with the shuttering of two units at the San Juan Generating Station.
The group claims PNM didn't prove it identified all the alternatives.
The utility has argued that tapping a mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear and solar was the most cost-effective option for customers.
After much debate and negotiation, the Public Regulation Commission approved the plan in December on a 4-1 vote.