Albuquerque Tribune Online By James W. Brosnan, Tribune Reporter

WASHINGTON – Peabody Energy, the world’s largest coal mining company, is seeking $19 million in federal aid to demonstrate “clean coal technology” at a proposed 300-megawatt power plant about 80 miles west of Albuquerque. …

If the DOE approves the Peabody funds, the Mustang Generation Station north of Grants would move close to the goal of “near-zero emissions,” Peabody spokeswoman Beth Sutton said. …

The National Parks Conservation Association expressed concern the Mustang plant would pollute the night skies over Chaco Culture National Historical Park 24 miles north of the plant site.

Chaco Canyon was a center of pueblo culture between A.D. 850 and 1250, and was probably used for astronomical observations and ceremonies.

“The integrity of the Chaco culture needs to be preserved,” said Jill Stephens, who works with the conservation association’s Clean Air for Parks and People campaign. “We expect the Park Service and the state to be fully involved to ensure that any impact on Chaco culture would be mitigated.”

Ely said the National Park Service or the U.S. Forest Service have also expressed concern about the plant’s impact on the air over other properties in the region including Mesa Verde National Park and Bandelier National Monument.

Who wants a coal-fired power plant so close to Chaco Canyon? Shareholders and corporate thugs who will never see the damage they do. mjh