Expected power plant closures spark unemployment fears
The Public Service Company of New Mexico, the state's largest utility company, announced last week that it is considering closing the San Juan Generating Station near Farmington as soon as 2022.
The power plants have been blamed for haze, higher asthma rates and premature death in the surrounding communities, according to government studies.
Jeremy Nichols of the environmental group WildEarth Guardians said coal isn't the most profitable energy source, either.
Western utilities are finally realizing there are more affordable ways of providing electricity to their customers. .
PNM says modeling showed that closing half its coal-fired units could be financially beneficial and will allow it to incorporate more renewable energy.