Arizona utility wants to build turbines with no environmental OK [Video]

KINGMAN, Ariz. — An Arizona utility is seeking to build natural gas turbines without having to jump through typical bureaucratic hoops for environmental approval. Critics say the request – if granted – would set a bad precedent in Arizona.

“I do think this is kind of an inflection point and we do have to make sure these kinds of regulatory processes remain in place,” said Alex Routhier of the energy-renewable nonprofit Western Resource Advocates.

UNSE proposes expanding natural gas plant

UniSource Energy Services, also known as UNSE, proposed expanding its Black Mountain Generating Station near Kingman with four new natural gas turbines. The turbines convert natural gas to electricity. UNSE argued the size and scope of the expansion excluded it from an environmental review and it applied for a “disclaimer …