The new proposal is anticipated to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from approximately 45,000 tons per year to 5,800 tons per year, 3,200 tons less than EPA’s initial proposal.
EPA expects that the proposal will also work to protect public health in the area by ensuring residents have cleaner air with fewer harmful pollutants.
EPA said the new proposal follows its initial October proposal to require pollution controls at the power plant.
In response to that proposal, Arizona Public Service put forward an alternative requiring plant operators to install Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), a pollution control technology, on two of the five coal-fired boilers and shut down the three older ones.
EPA regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest Jared Blumenfeld said that the new proposal controls emissions better, while costing less and preserving jobs.
"By reducing its emissions by 87%, rather than our initial proposal of 80%, we will all be able to see the results and breathe cleaner, healthier air," Blumenfeld said.
