Earlier this month, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule, under which it has demanded to implement stricter rules for pollution controls for nitrogen oxide emitted by three power plants situated in eastern Arizona.

They claimed that the proposed rule will help bring about a healthy living and will also have a significant effect on vision problems. This will help improve living at 18 national parks and wilderness areas, of which even Grand Canyon, Saguaro and Petrified Forest national parks are a part.

This proposal was put forth in front of the general public to comment on it. Recent reports revealed that the agency has declared to extend its period.

On the other hand, Arizona Public Service officials stated that as per the proposed plans, the Unit 2 of Cholla Power Plant near Joseph City could have to be closed. APS spokesman Damon Gross asserted that it took almost three years for the company to meet the standards set for clean air. Rather, it invested $324 million in the power plant.

He added: “If the proposed EPA rule takes effect, it would cost APS another $436 million, bringing Unit 2 up to the same emission control capabilities as units 1, 3 and 4”. Thus, making it unfeasible for APS to run the unit.