Correction: Power Plants-EPA story

A corrected version of the story is below:

EPA puts new emission limits on Ariz. power plants

EPA finalizes air quality rule for Arizona coal-fired power plants; state quick to denounce it

By FELICIA FONSECA

Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has imposed new pollution limits on three coal-fired Arizona power plants, aiming to protect the environment and air quality for wilderness areas and landmarks such as the Grand Canyon.

The EPA set limits for the Cholla, Coronado and Apache generating stations that will require technology upgrades to keep 22,700 tons of nitrogen oxide out of the air each year.

State officials quickly denounced the decision Friday, saying it needlessly was harsh, would require a $500 million investment by utilities and will make electricity more expensive for consumers.

"We are disappointed that EPA would choose to unilaterally decide what's best for Arizona rather than" partner with the state Department of Environmental Quality on a proposal, said department director Henry Darwin.

He added that any air quality improvements, specifically a reduction in haze that obscures mountains and sunsets and can make breathing difficult for people with respiratory problems, would be imperceptible.

States have the authority to come up their own plans to reduce haze, but they are subject to EPA review. The agency approved Arizona's plan for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, but said the state didn't do enough to limit nitrogen oxide emissions.