DENVER - An environmental group is suing Xcel Energy, saying the utility isn't doing all it can to cut mercury emissions from a new coal-fired unit at a Pueblo power plant.
WildEarth Guardians says in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday that Xcel is violating federal environmental laws by failing to obtain the approval required by the federal Clean Air Act.
"Xcel Energy is plowing ahead to fire up its smokestack without first ensuring full protection of public health and welfare.That's not only dangerous, it's illegal," said Jeremy Nichols of WildEarth Guardians' Denver office.
The $1.3 billion unit, the third at the Comanche Generating Station, will produce 750 megawatts of electricity — enough for approximately 750,000 households. Construction is under way.
Xcel and state health officials say the company has a permit that sets limits on the unit's mercury emissions.
Paul Tourangeau, director of the state Air Pollution Control Division, said plans for the Comanche Station include equipment to significantly reduce mercury pollution and monitor emissions.
Tourangeau said the state extended the deadline to July 29 for Xcel to update information on efforts to reduce mercury emissions. The update is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Minneapolis-based Xcel took part in negotiations in 2007 that resulted in statewide rules on mercury emissions. Xcel, Colorado's largest electric utility, and other large power providers agreed to cut emissions 80 percent by 2012.