- The future of the San Juan Generating Station in New Mexico set to be decided in December.
- The north rim of the Grand Canyon now closed to vehicle traffic for the winter.
The future of the San Juan Generating Station near Waterflow, New Mexico, is set to be decided December 16th. The Farmington Daily Times reports that’s when the Public Regulation Commission of New Mexico is slated to vote on a plan to shut down two units at the coal-fired power plant by the end of 2017. The closure, which reportedly would retire about 917 megawatts of power, is intended to enable the aging facility to meet EPA standards. Environmental and health concerns about emissions have long plagued the power plant. Some of the PRC members reportedly said they want to hold a final vote on the PNM plan before the end of the year.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is closed to vehicle traffic for the winter. For the hardy, the North Rim campground and yurt remain available for winter camping. They are accessible via inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake. Arizona Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are slated to re-open on May 15.
