The Arizona Daily Star editorialized yesterday against EPA proposals to mandate expensive pollution control requirements on the Navajo Generating Station (NGS) [right] near Page, on the grounds that the technologies are not proven, the costs too high, and the benefits of only marginal value at best, while the jobs and economic value of the plant are critical to the area. The Star's position is consistent with the request made by Gov. Brewer to EPA recently, and the position taken by the Central Arizona Project which uses NGS power to pump Colorado River water along the canal to Phoenix and Tucson.
Meanwhile, the Navajo Tribal Council voted today to put Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. on leave over alleged legal violations resulting from tribal contracts. President Shirley, who has been a vocal supporter of the NGS, recently worked to have environmental groups working in opposition to the plant, thrown off the reservation. This has led to sharp divisions between tribal factions.