Despite declining CO2 levels in many parts of the country, New Mexico has experienced a continued increase in ground ozone, and CO2. The main culprit is a 60 yr old coal fired power plant that is literally the dirtiest plant in the nation. Residents complain that if 60 yr old cars that can't pass emissions tests can't be registered, while this plant produces clouds of smog that can be seen from four states, and even from the Grand Canyon. On top of this it consumes almost ten billion gallons of water every year, and this is in the middle of the desert.
The plant is also inefficient. Residents pay roughly 50% more than they would have to with a modern power plant. Although plans to replace the current plant have not been announced, economists have estimated that almost 20,000 jobs would be created by replacing the current network. It is absolutely in the best interest of New Mexico to consider this option.

Read more at: http://newenergyeconomy.org/2011/02/16/media-advisory-public-demands-reduction-of-poisonous-smog-in-northwestern-new-mexico/