Coal Archives - San Juan Citizens Alliance

Oct 26 2024

The End of an Era: What’s Next for the Energy Transition in Northern New Mexico

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Press Release No Comments

On August 24, 2024 the 400-foot stacks at the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station in Waterflow, New Mexico were demolished, bringing permanent closure to a facility notorious for being part of the largest single point source of pollution in the…

Sep 06 2024

Reaction to Demolition of Smokestacks at San Juan Generating Station

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Press Release No Comments

Advocates have been working for years to facilitate a transition to clean energy, ending coal’s polluting legacy and the region’s economic over-dependence on fossil fuels Overflight and drone footage of the site and demolition are available for media (see below)…

Aug 02 2024

An Aerial View of the Energy Transition in the Four Corners

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Of Interest, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

On July 16, 2024, San Juan Citizens Alliance (SJCA) participated in flights over the Four Corners Region through Ecoflight, continuing a 15-year partnership documenting energy transition and economic diversification through aerial vantage points.

Jun 30 2023

Chaco Gains Reprieve from New Drilling

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas No Comments

A cherished landscape gained a measure of new protection this month when Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed an order creating a 10-mile buffer zone around Chaco Culture National Historical Park that precludes future oil and gas leasing. The decision culminates…

May 24 2023

Energy Choices Come into Focus

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas No Comments

Whitewater boating season offers a metaphor for our local energy supply. We’re in the calm pool edging closer and closer to the lip of the rapid, before plunging into frothy waves below. That’s the position La Plata Electric Association finds…

Mar 01 2023

Regional Energy Transformation Accelerates

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas No Comments

The Four Corners region is on the cusp of a rapid transformation from coal to renewable energy. The massive coal-fired San Juan Generating Station near Farmington is slated for demolition later this spring, accompanied by the simultaneous construction of large…

Feb 15 2023

Enchant Energy Update

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

we need YOU to call or email our county commissioners and tell them to not defer to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) in Denver, but rather protect our public health by taking local leadership in setting setback…

Jul 18 2022

Closure of San Juan Generation Station signals coal’s demise

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas No Comments

The Four Corners took a significant step toward a coal-free future as Unit 1 of the San Juan Generating Station closed forever on June 30. The event occurred without fanfare, and represents the inexorable decline of mining and burning coal…

Oct 21 2021

Land of Enchantment, Not Enchant Energy

By Emelie Frojen Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

The choice between continued coal power or equitable transition at San Juan Generating Station There is nothing enchanting about Enchant Energy’s proposal to continue burning dirty coal and emitting pollutants in the Four Corners long into the future. Enchant proposes…

Jan 26 2021

Introduction to the 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Take Action No Comments

Remote Testimony for the 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session Because of the pandemic, things are looking a little different this year at the New Mexico State Legislature. The entire 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session (60-day session from January 20-March 2oth)…

Jan 11 2021

Can Carbon Capture Save Coal?

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

We don't think so. Check out this video to learn more:

Nov 10 2020

Breaking: $127 Million in Just Transition Funds for Navajo Nation

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, In the News, Renewable Energy No Comments

Breaking: As coal plants across the Four Corners region shut down, Arizona Public Service will provide a minimum of $127 million to the Navajo Nation over the next 10 years, plus major commitments to buy power from Navajo clean energy…

Sep 10 2020

TAKE ACTION: Keep LPEA Moving Towards Clean Energy

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy, Take Action

Keep LPEA’s Exit Charge Case in Colorado LPEA has made huge headway in its fight for cleaner, cheaper power here in Southwest Colorado. But by illegally adding new members to the cooperative “family”, Tri-State qualified for federal regulation – pre-empting…

Jul 29 2020

BREAKING: New Mexico PRC embraces 100% renewable future for Four Corners

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, In the News One Comment

Today, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission unanimously decided to replace San Juan Generating Station power with 100 percent renewable energy when the coal-fired power plant is retired in 2022. This decision marks an extraordinary turning point in the energy…

Jul 20 2020

Electric Co-ops Closer to Securing Tri-State Exit Fees

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

Last week, La Plata Electric Association inched closer to gaining the basic information it has long desired to evaluate whether it makes sense to stay with Tri-State Generation and Transmission as its wholesale electricity supplier or jump ship to potentially…

Jun 23 2020

Carbon Capture is an Elusive Dream

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition No Comments

Our region took a major step toward a cleaner energy future recently when New Mexico regulators gave Public Service Co. of New Mexico approval to retire the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station outside Farmington in two years. But alas, it’s…

Apr 29 2020

PRC Delay of San Juan Coal Plant’s Replacement Decision is Unfortunate and Risky

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, In the News No Comments

Photo: EcoFlight The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) delayed the approval of two solar and battery projects that would partially replace the electricity from San Juan Generating Station. These projects, which had record-breaking low prices, would have brought jobs…

Apr 27 2020

As Coal-Fire Power Plants Close, Our Skies are Clearing

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

One of the noticeable, and remarkable, changes in recent years has been the dramatic improvement in visibility and air pollution in the Four Corners. Longer-term residents routinely comment on the increased clarity and the sharper vistas of distant ranges like…

Apr 17 2020

Conservation Matters Now More Than Ever

By sjca Coal, Lands Protection, Of Interest, Renewable Energy No Comments

By Diana Vernazza Here in Southwest Colorado, the weather is beginning to turn warmer, the rivers are rising and trees slowly leafing out. The first butterflies of the season are looking for nectar, and the birds are noisily building nests.…

Apr 15 2020

Enchant’s Carbon Capture Scheme Heads Back to the Drawing Board

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

If you are having troubles following the San Juan Generating Station carbon capture project being proposed by the City of Farmington and Enchant Energy, you are not alone. In fact, Enchant Energy itself seems to be having a hard time…

Apr 10 2020

Carbon Capture Costs Us More than the Millions in Taxpayer Dollars

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy One Comment

Our local elected officials have been chasing Enchant Energy’s promises of a resuscitated coal industry for roughly a year and a half now. This has cost the City over a million dollars in attorney fees, but the implications of this…

Apr 01 2020

San Juan Generating Station cleared for abandonment by PRC

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

Today the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) approved the abandonment of San Juan Generating Station, a ruling long in the works after months of painful legal back-and-forth. This decision paves the way for Public Service Company of New Mexico…

Jan 29 2020

Energy Transition Act Applies to San Juan Generating Station Abandonment

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, In the News No Comments

Breaking: Today the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that the Energy Transition Act must apply to Public Service Co. of New Mexico’s (PNM) abandonment of its remaining interest in the San Juan Generating Station. This decision ensures that key funding will be…

Jan 24 2020

Tri-State Reveals New Energy Plan

By sjca Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy No Comments

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

Jan 16 2020

Tri-State Announces Responsible Energy Plan

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

Photo: WildEarth Guardians Last week, Tri-State announced it intended to close its Colorado and New Mexico coal generation assets ahead of schedule. This week Tri-State made a second announcement on its Responsible Energy Plan. Notably, Tri-State will: Strive for 100%…

Jan 09 2020

Tri-State Announces Coal Retirements But Flaws Remain In Energy Plan

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

Today Tri-State announced the first part of their long-awaited Responsible Energy Plan, which described their intention to close two coal plants and one coal mine ahead of schedule. While the plan shows that Tri-State is finally starting to shift their…

Nov 07 2019

A local voice on the Energy Transition Act

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

New Mexico and the Four Corners is experiencing a transition that, far from being unique, is mirrored in coal regions across the nation. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the market reality is that coal is being left behind by…

Sep 11 2019

Take Action: Stand Up For Clean Energy In Colorado

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy 3 Comments

A Rulemaking to Hold Tri-State Accountable The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is holding a rulemaking process through October 15th about Tri-State's Electric Resource Plan (ERP), which will fundamentally impact co-op customers for years to come. The ERP is a long-term…

Aug 30 2019

We’re Asking the Courts to Weigh in on Application of the Energy Transition Act

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

New Mexico recently passed a landmark energy transition bill known as the Energy Transition Act (ETA). The bill was groundbreaking not just for setting an aggressive renewable portfolio standard, but also for creating funding to ensure a just transition for…

Jul 17 2019

The False Hope of Carbon Capture

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

For months the City of Farmington has been scheming with a small two-person outfit to keep San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) open past the 2022 closure date agreed upon by all other owners. Their plan is to install expensive Carbon…

Jun 16 2019

Our energy supply system is transforming

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

In just a few weeks, Public Service Co. of New Mexico will initiate the process to officially retire the San Juan Generating Station, the 1,600-megawatt, coal-fired behemoth outside Farmington that once burned coal day and night to generate electricity. It’s…

Jun 13 2019

Video About Us!

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Forest Health, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Rivers 7 Comments

We made a video about who we are and what we do! A big thanks to Sean Owen of No Special Abilities Productions for making this happen. Of course, it's impossible to get everything we do into a short...

Jun 10 2019

Energy Transition Act Invests in Our Local Communities

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy One Comment

The Four Corners finds itself in an unprecedented economic landscape and elected officials are choosing to expend valuable time, resources and money pointing fingers and aggressively combatting the entities working to make sure our communities don’t get left behind. The…

Apr 29 2019

Power Supply Committee Gives Recommendations

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy One Comment

Mar 18 2019

Decisions loom about local electric supply

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy 2 Comments

Spring is in the air, and with it comes potentially big changes for our electric power supply. Leadership changes abound at both our local rural electric cooperative, La Plata Electric Association, and its wholesale electric supplier, Tri-State Generating and Transmission.…

Mar 13 2019

New Mexico Passes Historic Clean Energy Bill!

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

New Mexico just passed one of the most progressive energy transition bills in the country! The Energy Transition Act (ETA), which just passed the house and now heads to the Governor's desk, paves the way for a just transition to…

Mar 04 2019

Opinion: Back the Energy Transition Act

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

San Juan Citizens Alliance is actively working to move New Mexico forward to a sustainable energy economy. We believe an important step towards this desired future, especially for us in Northwestern New Mexico, is the passage of Senate Bill 489,…

Feb 26 2019

New Mexico Organizations Laud Senate Conservation Committee’s Approval of Landmark Clean Energy Legislation

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

The Energy Transition Act will reduce electricity costs for New Mexicans, leverage affordable clean energy, and provide economic relief to the Four Corners. Today, a coalition of New Mexico labor, community, and environmental organizations celebrated the passage by the…

Feb 07 2019

Clean Energy Bill Introduced to Reduce Electricity Costs, and Provide Economic Relief to San Juan County Workers

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

Woot woot! A new Governor in New Mexico along with a host of bold, progressive, new State House representatives, looking to the future and creating opportunities. We're hopeful we can make big strides in clean energy, a just transition for…

Feb 01 2019

Keep moving Four Corners forward with renewable energy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy One Comment

After almost 6 years spent outside of Farmington and San Juan County, it is great to be back in the community I grew up in and will always call home. It is refreshing to experience the kindness I remember being…

Jan 19 2019

New Mexico grapples with air pollutants

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

We who live in these parts sometimes call it the Four Corners, other times the San Juan Basin or even the Colorado Plateau. It’s reflective of the geographic flexibility of our home region, one that water and air easily transcends.…

Dec 20 2018

Tri-State in Trouble

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy One Comment

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA)* Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

Dec 15 2018

Change Confronts Rural Electric Co-ops

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Green Business, Renewable Energy No Comments

Photo: Wildearth Guardians, Flickr The comedian Lily Tomlin used to have a favorite shtick where she played Ernestine, the snorting, smirking phone operator. She would end her bit with the line, “We don’t care, we don’t have to, we’re the…

Sep 23 2018

Will APS Work With NM Stakeholders?

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

The era of coal is over. We must demand a just transition for impacted families and communities now. APS, having profited billions from the hardworking families and communities of northwestern New Mexico, has a responsibility to help fund that transition.…

Sep 15 2018

Fires and droughts should set off alarm bells

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Forest Health, Lands Protection, Renewable Energy, Rivers No Comments

Our beloved Animas River has taken a shellacking the past few years, the most recent insults a combination of record low flows and wildfire induced mudslides. The Animas might be the blaring alarm bell for our society’s failure to act…

Jul 21 2018

New leadership at EPA, same rollbacks

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Forest Health, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Rivers, Species No Comments

Photo: Wikipedia Commons By the time Scott Pruitt resigned as the Environmental Protection Agency’s administrator, he was the poster child for bungling personal entitlement. As Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa put it, Pruitt was the swampiest of the Washington,…

Jul 21 2018

Economic Future of Four Corners is in Our Hands

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal No Comments

Photo: Ecoflight Northwestern New Mexico is at a crossroads. Like many communities throughout history, the foundation of our economy is based on a soon-to-be outdated industry. We can choose to become victims of change and progress or we can choose…

May 23 2018

A new year at LPEA

By sjca Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy No Comments

Apr 27 2018

Did you get your LPEA ballot?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

Around 800 ballots were not delivered on time. If you didn't receive yours (or if you threw it away), call LPEA immediately. LPEA: (970) 247-5786 Did you vote yet?! If you buy electricity from LPEA, your ballot should have arrived in…

Apr 21 2018

LPEA board vote hinges on vision for power supply

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column No Comments

This year’s La Plata Electric Association board election is a pivotal referendum on the future of our electric supply. Are co-op members happy with the status quo, being joined at the hip for the next 32 years to Tri-State Generation…

Mar 11 2018

Photo of San Juan Generating Station with gas pump

Progress is being made on the Four Corners area

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

Photo: Ted Wood Storey Group In December and January, intense negotiations were ongoing over a Public Service Company of New Mexico-backed bill relating to the closure of the San Juan Generating Station, the coal-fired power plant near Farmington. This piece…

Feb 21 2018

LPEA approves energy supply review subcommittee

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy No Comments

Feb 18 2018

La Plata Electric Association grapples with era of change

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy One Comment

It’s a challenging time for La Plata Electric Association. The electric utility world is undergoing a classic technology disruption, where rapid advances threaten to upend decades-old business models. LPEA is locked into a contract for the next 30 years with…

Feb 15 2018

LPEA to vote on future of long-term energy supply review

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight 7 Comments

Feb 01 2018

Local Non-Profits Ask FERC to Deny Tri-State Petition

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

Regulations around energy production can be complicated, but it's also really important to our region's ability to pursue local renewable energy through our rural cooperatives. This week, we joined forces with our partners at Local First to file a motion to…

Jan 29 2018

PNM must do right by Four Corner communities, citizens and workers

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

A major tenet of our work over the past decade has been that coal-fired power plants in the Four Corners region have exerted an enormous toll on human public health and natural systems (air, water, land). It is now apparent…

Jan 26 2018

Why does LPEA need a long-term strategy review?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy One Comment

Jan 04 2018

We’ve lost democratic control of our power supply

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy 2 Comments

Dec 18 2017

Wins of 2017!

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Gold King Mine, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Rivers, Species, Wolf Creek No Comments

Was 2017 a challenging year? Hell yes. And that's why our work is so critical. We’re here because public and environmental health doesn’t always get prioritized over corporate interests. We’re here because wildlife, water and a stable climate don’t have…

Dec 15 2017

If (how) LPEA can measure the health impacts of coal

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight 6 Comments

Nov 21 2017

What do renewable energy advocates actually want?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight 6 Comments

Nov 09 2017

Groups Appeal District Court’s Dismissal of Case on Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal 2 Comments

Photo: EcoFlight While other coal plants in the region are announcing early closures, due in large part to the low cost of renewables, the 55-year-old Four Corners Power Plant was issued a whopping 25-year permit extension in 2015. As you may remember,…

Oct 26 2017

Three Steps Forward – LPEA Spotlight: Oct ‘17

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy One Comment

Photo: Anna Peterson This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA)* Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future…

Oct 13 2017

How to Exorcise the Bogeyman: Mulling Over the Clean Power Plan

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

Photo courtesy of Thomas Roberts By Guest Blogger: Donna Stewart “With this bellows I will pump the flames of this fire which looks like from Hell, and witches will flee, straddling their brooms…and when this beverage goes down our throats, we…

Sep 15 2017

Flooding and rescue after Hurricane Harvey

Hurricanes are a stark reminder of the costs of climate change

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

Photo By: Lt. Zachary West As we stand transfixed by the enormously powerful hurricanes churning across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, one can’t help but think about our place in the climate-change continuum. Here in the San Juan Basin,…

Aug 21 2017

Power struggle with Tri-State won’t end soon

By Mark Pearson Coal No Comments

A few weeks ago, we sent forth our champion with bated breath and hopeful expectations to plead our case before Tri-State, to please allow us to generate more electricity locally here at home in La Plata Electric Association’s service area.…

Jul 24 2017

What happens if San Juan Generating Station Closes?

By sjca Coal No Comments

The San Juan Generating Station and San Juan Mine coal complex (SJGS/SJM) is New Mexico’s single largest polluter. While the facilities provide electricity to 500,000 customers, and employ several hundred of our community members, they do so at a great…

Jun 16 2017

West’s utilities abandon coal because it costs too much

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column No Comments

“It’s all about the economics,” the expert said. “Technologies have improved to make other forms of energy less expensive than coal.” One might figure sure, that’s some tree-hugging environmentalist arguing for solar and wind energy. But in fact, that’s the…

May 02 2017

The Rising Tide of Renewable Energy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

By Guest Blogger: Donna Stewart Part I in a four part series on Renewable Energy. See Part II,Solar Power: Who Came Up With That?? and Part III, Check'n New Solar System(s) “A dam about to break.” That’s how Chris Riley, President…

Dec 21 2016

Image for Cookies for Calls: No Pruitt for EPA

Call your Senators: No Pruitt for EPA!

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Of Interest, Oil & Gas, Rivers No Comments

Last night we hosted an event called Cookies for Calls: No Pruitt for EPA. We handed out homemade cookies to those of you who stopped by and made a call to your Senators. Many of you had never called an…

Jun 21 2016

Coal Will Say Anything – Beach Party

By Erika Brown Coal, Of Interest No Comments

Need some levity? This is for you. When you’re ready to take on reality again, check out some information we put together about the Four Corners Power Plant. Warning: It’s not that funny.

May 19 2016

Now is the time to transform our energy economy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

As the world transforms in response to technological innovation and evolving political preferences, chaos claws at order, building the future with every rip and tear. It’s a painful thing, this process. Inevitable, yes, but still painful. In April, San Juan…

Apr 21 2016

Power play over mine saddles Navajos with toxic asset

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column No Comments

Imagine an unlikely scenario with me. Donald Trump, the wildly successful, great, terrific business icon turned even terrific-er presidential candidate, finds himself unsure how to negotiate a business transaction. Who might he call for advice? After years of watching a…

Apr 20 2016

NEW VIDEO: Time’s Up For Coal at the Four Corners Power Plant

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

The Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) and Navajo Mine complex is a massive source of pollution. It can’t be permitted to operate until 2041. Learn More. Amid last year’s crumbling coal economy, and despite promises to address climate change, the Obama Administration approved a…

Apr 20 2016

As Coal Collapses, Groups Launch Lawsuit Challenging 25-year Extension of Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

Last week Peabody Coal joined Arch, Alpha, Patriot, and other US companies in bankruptcy. This progression of bankruptcies is raising a myriad of concerns about the financial viability of coal, the future costs of clean up, the dangers of self-bonding,…

Apr 18 2016

Momentum for change

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal No Comments

It's election time! No, not that one. There's one here locally from which the presidential race could learn some lessons. Imagine if the national election were more like that of our local La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors: 2 months…

Mar 15 2016

LETTER: Suggestions for Reforming the Federal Coal Program

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

"This path must be paved with common sense policy changes that address our near-term climate challenges, aid coal-dependent communities to help them emerge from transition more sustainable and prosperous, defend taxpayers and the broader American interest, and protect our legacy of public lands." In…

Jan 19 2016

Highlights of 2015

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Forest Health, Gold King Mine, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Rivers, Species No Comments

It’s 3 weeks into January and here at the Alliance we're finally taking a moment to clear the papers off our desks, breathe, and reflect on the past year. We started 2015 knowing there were thousands of people in the region…

Dec 22 2015

Lawsuit to Challenge Feds’ Approval of Decades More Coal Pollution at Four Corners

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Species No Comments

Photo Credit: EcoFlight This is a huge moment. Today we joined together with Diné CARE and other regional and national conservation groups to seek justice for the communities and species threatened by the the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo…

Dec 17 2015

Keep your holiday giving close to home

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Forest Health, Gold King Mine, Green Business, Lands Protection, Of Interest, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Rivers, Species No Comments

This holiday season I’d like to propose a corollary to Durango’s well-loved buy local movement: give local. December is a month awash in fundraising requests, and let’s face it: being on the receiving end can get tiresome. But let’s face…

Oct 15 2015

Rabble-rousing can inspire us to make change

By sjca Coal, Durango Herald Column, Of Interest, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

In his Tuesday column, “The Republicans’ Incompetence Caucus,” conservative New York Times writer David Brooks excoriated the more radical elements of the Republican Party. Sordid intra-party politics playing out in broad daylight, now that’s a writer’s ticket. And yet, I’ll…

Oct 02 2015

NEW EPA OZONE STANDARD DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH

By Erika Brown Coal, Oil & Gas No Comments

The EPA just updated Bush-era ozone levels. While we commend strengthening of the standard, it is disappointing to see the agency apparently cave to industry lobbying efforts by establishing the weakest limit recommended by their scientific advisory panel. In the Four Corners,…

Aug 05 2015

Nice Newsletter!

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Rivers, Species No Comments

We've been getting a lot of compliments on our new and improved newsletter. The format is a little (OK, a lot) different than the last time we put one together (some two years ago...) and you'll be proud to leave it on…

Jul 16 2015

Regulation fixes failings of free market

By Erika Brown Coal, Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas One Comment

The problem with free market solutions to environmental problems is really quite simple: The free market does not exist. Let’s take a peek at the energy sector to see just how non-existent this free market is. In May, the International…

May 13 2015

Residents need relief from busy mine operations

By sjca Coal, Durango Herald Column One Comment

Let’s talk about the biggest little coal mine in La Plata County you’ve never heard of. Six miles southwest of Hesperus sits the King Coal II mine. Operated by GCC Energy, a subsidiary of Mexico-based Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua, the…

May 07 2015

Did the blinders come off on the Four Corners coal complex?

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

A do-over. That’s what we and our partners asked the Department of Interior (DOI) for when they released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project last year. Did we get…

Apr 30 2015

King Coal II Mine Part 3: History, expansion, permits, and oversight

By sjca Coal, Lands Protection No Comments

This post is the third in a four-part series on the King Coal Mine in Hesperus written by guest contributor Lauren Pope. Read Part I, and Part 2: The Impacts. Ridiculous Revival At a time when world changing technological advances - hybrid cars,…

Apr 16 2015

LPEA needs leaders with vision, expertise

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

We live in exciting times. Just how exciting? Check this out. What was a fairly sedate affair historically – the La Plata Electric Association annual board of director’s election – has transformed into a proxy vote for the community’s vision…

Mar 30 2015

Cursed by Coal: Mining the Navajo Nation

By Erika Brown Coal No Comments

Mar 19 2015

When rules are ignored, we can win

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column No Comments

It is not often enough that we get to celebrate wins in my line work, so today let’s pause to do exactly that. A few weeks ago, San Juan Citizens Alliance and our partners won a hard-fought legal case against…

Mar 17 2015

King Coal II Mine Part 2: The Impacts

By sjca Coal, Lands Protection No Comments

This post is the second in a four-part series on the King Coal Mine in Hesperus written by guest contributor Lauren Pope. For Part I, click here. Disruption Grupo Cemento de Chihahua’s (GCC) proposed expansion of the King Coal…

Mar 07 2015

Time to move beyond Coal

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

Over the past few weeks, one thing has become clear here in New Mexico: coal is a bad investment. Today, Public Service of New Mexico is charging ahead with a plan to continue burning coal at the nearby San Juan…

Mar 05 2015

SJCA wins second case against Navajo Mine expansion

By Erika Brown Coal, Rivers No Comments

Photo Credit: EcoFlight Busted. Again. A federal judge just denied a plan by the Office of Surface and Mining (OSM) to expand the Navajo Mine, which feeds the Four Corners Power Plant, based on the fact that the environmental analysis…

Feb 25 2015

Dan Olson responds to letter to the editor

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas One Comment

To see the actual IMF document referenced below, click here. It’s jarring to see your credibility attacked in a letter to the editor – a bit less so, though, after you realize the writer’s argument is baseless. In my bi-weekly…

Feb 19 2015

King Coal II Mine Part 1

By sjca Coal, Lands Protection No Comments

This is the first in a series of 4 blogs on the King Coal II Mine by guest contributor, Lauren Pope. A New Era for King Coal About three hundred feet underneath the piñon-topped mesa west of Durango in the Hay…

Dec 16 2014

Highlights of 2014

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Forest Health, Lands Protection, Of Interest, Oil & Gas, Rivers, Species No Comments

Ever wonder what the Alliance has been up to? Or how we put your donations to work? If so, this blog is for you. As we head into 2015, we thought we’d take a moment to recap some of our…

Oct 12 2014

Methane Hot Spot Over Four Corners

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas No Comments

There has been a lot of press in the last week about a newly discovered methane hot-spot over the Four Corners. No surprise here at the Alliance. We’ve been fighting coal mines and working to highlight the problems with methane…

May 14 2014

We Can’t Allow Government To Ignore Our Voices

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column No Comments

Stop the press! Something wild just happened. I, Dan Olson, found common cause with the tea party. Coming from your local environmental group, this declaration deserves some unpacking. Two Saturdays ago, I attended a “public meeting” at the Durango Community…

Apr 23 2014

“Clean Coal” Parody From This Is Reality – Take 2!

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Of Interest No Comments

We couldn’t help it.... here’s another video from This is Reality ripping on “ clean coal. " Too funny....! https://youtu.be/uFJVbdiMgfM

Apr 16 2014

Help Us Fight These Menacing Energy Monsters

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column No Comments

Have you ever seen a monster? I have. A few weeks ago. He was an odd monster. He didn’t hide in the dark spots fancied by most monster-types. No, this monster stood out in the open under the glaring mid-day…

Apr 08 2014

“Clean Coal” Parody From This Is Reality

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

This hilarious 30 second video clip nails the false claims of clean coal. Right on. https://youtu.be/PdHuB7Ovl2o

Mar 04 2014

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear

Ambrose Redmoon

Coal

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear

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