Sep. 16--FARMINGTON -- A Farmington councilman wants fellow councilors to publicly support Arizona Public Service Co., which is facing increased regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Councilors are considering a resolution proposed by Councilman George Sharpe that supports the company amid the federal agency's proposal to require the company to install technology at Four Corners Power Plant that would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

Councilors agreed to order the city's legal department to write a resolution and they eventually would vote whether to approve the measure.

A resolution written by Sharpe says the city values air quality and visibility, but that "such efforts need to balance the economic impact on the area."

The resolution adds that the company employs 850 people and "pours millions into the local economy." It also expresses support for mining company BHP Billiton.

The proposed resolution comes after Richard Grimes, environmental health and safety manager for Four Corners Power Plant, wrote an e-mail to Sharpe expressing disapproval of the EPA's proposal.

"EPA's action could jeopardize operation of the Four Corners Power Plant," Grimes wrote in a Sept. 9 e-mail to Sharpe.

Regulators in August began a 30-day public comment period on the proposal to require installation of the most efficient technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter, pollutants believed to cause haze throughout the Four Corners.

The power

plant, a coal-fired facility, emits the nation's highest nitrogen oxide levels. The company estimates installing the technology would cost between $435 million and $917 million.

Councilwoman Mary Fischer opposed Sharpe's resolution, saying the city instead should encourage the company to limit emissions to improve air quality. She called efforts by the company to fight regulation "scare tactics," and said she was concerned about the power plant's effect on people's health.

The company has "an antiquated plant" and "it's their problem," she said.

Dan Darnell cautioned against what he said was "over-regulation."

The company "would really have to weigh whether they could stay in business or not," Darnell said.

Steve Lynn: slynn@daily-times.com

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