The decree was a result of persistence and dedication by the Grand Canyon Trust and attorney Reed Zars during 13 months of negotiations. This work ensures significant air pollution cleanup for Mohave Valley residents and at the west end of Grand Canyon National Park. The agreement ensures that the Mohave plant will not operate past 2005 without air pollution controls. Emission of fine particles, which can be unhealthful to breathe, will be significantly reduced. New burners will he installed in the boilers to reduce the plant's emissions of nitrogen oxides by 25 to 40 percent.
Nitrogen oxides are another significant contributor to haze over the Grand Canyon.
If Mohave is sold, the new owners are bound by the consent decree and will be required to install the controls no later than three years and three months after buying the plant. The decree's limits cannot be reduced by future regulatory action by state or local governments. This publication and its text and photos may not be copied for commercial use without the express written permission of Bob Ribokas .