Groups appeal permit for Arizona coal mine
The Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF - A coalition of tribal groups and conservationists have appealed the federal government's decision to renew a permit that combines the facilities and coal reserves of two northeastern Arizona coal mines.

The Office of Surface Mining approved a life of mine permit last month that covers Peabody Energy's Kayenta Mine and allows operations to continue there until 2026.

In their appeal filed Thursday, the groups cited concerns about air and water pollution, global warming, ground water depletion and impacts to religious freedom.

They also contend they weren't given enough time to comment on the permit.

The Kayenta permit now includes coal reserves from the shuttered Black Mesa mine. The federal agency says a separate permitting process is required to resume mining at Black Mesa. The mines are on the Hopi and Navajo reservations.

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