Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded an announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the agency’s efforts to reduce emissions from the Four Corners Power Plant in New Mexico. Pollution from the plant has degraded air quality in southwest Colorado, including Mesa Verde National Park and the Weminuche Wilderness Area. The plan announced by EPA will reduce emissions of oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) by 80 to 87%.

The economy in this region of the state relies heavily on visitors and tourists that come from around the world to see the iconic mesas, mountains and National Parks that define this area.

“Southwest Colorado is home to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, which help drive the local economy,” Bennet said. “These efforts by the EPA will significantly reduce air pollution in the region and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.”

The move by the EPA to impose new requirements on the power plant comes after a lengthy process in which stakeholders in Colorado and the other three affected states provided input to the EPA as it developed new rules for the power plant. In April of last year, Bennet sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to offer support for the agency’s efforts to address concerns with the region’s air quality. The Durango Herald has also indicated support for the EPA’s efforts to clean up the plant.