DENVER—Plans to convert a natural gas-fired power plant in Lamar to a coal-fired one are coming under a legal challenge.
WildEarth Guardians filed a lawsuit arguing that the Lamar Light and Power plant is a “major source” of hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and that it must obtain a determination from regulators that it would achieve certain reductions in hazardous air pollutant emissions.
The city wasn’t required to get the determination when it obtained a state permit for the conversion in 2006.
A federal judge ruled Friday that the claim could proceed for now. He didn’t rule whether the plant is a major source of hazardous pollutants. He also dismissed claims that Lamar voters should have had a say in the switch to coal.
