Turbine Awarded State Permit.(Journal North)

Byline: Wren Propp Journal Staff Writer

Secretary: PNM Should Close It

The state Environment Department secretary approved an air quality operating permit Tuesday for a diesel-operated electric-generating turbine in Las Vegas, N.M.

But Secretary Ron Curry said Public Service Company of New Mexico should consider removing its turbine, which sits within a stone's throw of west-side homes.

"It's time for PNM to shut this plant down," Curry said in a prepared statement.

Citing concerns by Las Vegas residents, Curry said PNM should conclude both environmentally and business-wise "this plant is just not worth it."

PNM has no long-term plans to stop using the turbine, said spokeswoman Amy Miller. …