US court denies tribes’ request to halt $10 billion project in Arizona | Global News

A federal judge has denied a request to halt construction on a USD 10 billion transmission line in southeastern Arizona, despite opposition from Native American tribes and environmentalists. The project, which will carry wind-generated electricity from New Mexico to California, has been hailed as a major US electricity infrastructure undertaking.

The lawsuit, filed by two tribes and supported by archaeologists and environmentalists, argued that the San Pedro Valley holds significant cultural importance to Native American tribes, including the Tohono O’odham, Hopi, Zuni, and San Carlos Apache Tribe. The plaintiffs claimed that the Bureau of Land Management had failed to recognize the valley’s historical significance.

In response to the ruling, Tohono O’odham Attorney General Howard Shanker expressed concern that the transmission lines would irreparably harm the valley, which holds spiritual significance for the O’odham people. However, government representatives and Pattern Energy lawyers argued that the project is a key renewable energy initiative and that construction had already progressed significantly.

Despite the opposition, the judge ruled in favor of allowing construction to continue, citing the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to identify and avoid cultural resources in the area. Pattern Energy expects the transmission line to be operational by 2026, delivering wind power to millions of people.

The project, part of President Joe Biden’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has faced challenges and delays but is moving forward with the support of the court. The case is also being challenged before the Arizona Court of Appeals, where the benefits and consequences of the project will be further examined.