Environmental and Natural Resources

Coal Communities’ Transition in Arizona Getting More Attention

by Michael W. Patten The local economies of many communities in the southwest are tied to the operations of large coal-fired power plants.  As those plants start closing, the communities can face significant disruption in their local economies through loss of jobs, tax revenues and other impacts.  How to address those impacts involves both federal […]

April 5, 2021 | 2 min read | Tagged: Arizona, Coal, Energy Transition Act, Navajo Generating Station, New Promise Act

MP

Michael W. Patten Partner

Top Five Issues to Watch in Arizona Water Law

by Karlene Martorana Drought on the Colorado River.  Although the winter snowpack in the Rockies is off to a good start and California has seen heavy rainfall this winter, the drought in the southwest is not over.  One wet season cannot overcome the water deficit in reservoirs along the Colorado River caused by the prolonged […]

February 18, 2017 | 3 min read | Tagged: CAP, Colorado River, Drought Contingency Plan, Navajo Generating Station, NGS, reclaimed water, water, water reuse

KM

Karlene E. Martorana Former Counsel

Economic Conditions, Not Environmental Regulation, to Shutter Arizona Coal Plant 25 Years Sooner Than Expected

by Patrick J. Paul In a demonstration that not all regulations solve the problems they were intended to, and a testament to the power of market conditions, owners of the controversial Navajo Generating Station (NGS) power plant near Lake Powell announced their intention to terminate their interest in the three unit, 2,500 megawatt facility following expiration […]

February 15, 2017 | 3 min read | Tagged: CAP, Central Arizona PRoject, Hopi, Navajo, Navajo Generating Station, Navajo Nation, NGS

PP

Patrick J. Paul, P.C. Partner