New Mexico’s largest polluter, the San Juan Generating Station, is set to close in September 2022. In 2031, the neighboring Four Corners Power Plant will also be retired. These closures will greatly reduce toxic emissions, smog, and soil and groundwater contamination. The region will experience immediate health and environmental benefits after the closures, but the impact on local jobs remains uncertain. We flew with San Juan Citizens Alliance, Tó Nizhóní Áni, and Western Environmental Law Center, providing a platform for forward-thinking conversations and problem-solving. These groups are working to ensure the economic transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is just and equitable for residents and plant workers, the majority of whom are Native American. Some of the pre-disturbed land we flew is ideal for solar electricity generation and already has infrastructure in place. Three solar projects in the region are in the works! Solar could replace the dirty power plants, providing the community with an environmentally friendly and economically stable industry.
On the flight, we also examined abandoned oil and gas wells, which leak massive amounts of methane and other toxins. Our partners are working with the BLM to identify orphan wells so that remediation can begin. Communities in the Four Corners region deserve clean air, land, and water. The closure of the generating stations and plugging of abandoned wells is part of the worldwide transition away from polluting fossil fuels and towards clean energy.
