Utah Haze Plan Revision Proposed at Public Hearing

The state agency held a hearing on a plan that removes the scheduled 2027 shutdown date for the Intermountain Power Plant.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Asthma

Isometric editorial illustration of a coal power plant structure in a stark arid desert landscape. — The Utah Division of Air Quality proposed a revised regional haze plan that could delay the shutdown of the Intermountain Power Plant. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states prioritize energy security over pollution reduction requirements for coal plants?

The Utah Division of Air Quality recently held a public hearing regarding a revised regional haze control plan. The proposal seeks to eliminate a previously mandated 2027 coal unit shutdown date for the Intermountain Power Plant.

Why it matters

State officials are pushing to extend the operational lifespan of the plant citing energy security needs. Environmental advocates have pushed back, arguing for the retention of pollution controls and the original closure timeline.

The proposal rejects stringent pollution controls for the facility's coal-fired units. This revision follows an August 2024 partial disapproval of the state's previous haze plan by the EPA.

The players

Utah Division of Air Quality

This state agency is responsible for monitoring air quality and managing haze control regulations.

Intermountain Power Plant

This facility is a coal-fired power plant currently inactive since 2025.

Environmental Protection Agency

This federal agency oversees state environmental plans and monitors regional air quality standards.

The details

The Intermountain Power Plant has been inactive since 2025 following the expiration of contracts with out-of-state buyers. New interest from data center operators has driven state legislative and executive efforts to potentially keep the facility running.

August 2024: The EPA partially disapproved the earlier state haze plan.
2025: The Intermountain Power Plant became inactive.
September 29, 2026: A public hearing was held regarding the plan.
End of 2027: The date previously set for the mandated shutdown of coal units.

The Big Picture

The state's proposed plan revision is designed to align with federal mandates established under the Regional Haze Rule. This follows a pattern set by the EPA's ongoing oversight of visibility impairment reduction in protected areas like Yosemite.

Changes to regional air quality management can directly impact residents with respiratory conditions like asthma. The proposed continuation of coal-fired plant operations may alter local air quality standards for vulnerable populations.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate over the Intermountain Power Plant highlights the tension between regional energy security and air quality regulations. Residents should monitor future state agency updates regarding the final status of these haze control measures.