The groups charged that the EPA hastily issued the permit July 31 under pressure from the developers of Desert Rock. They asked the EPA to review its decision to issue the permit and approve an extension so opponents can thoroughly document their case.

"The EPA is abandoning its mission by rushing a permit out the door for political expedience and ignoring the fact that it will emit massive quantities (of carbon dioxide) and other pollutants," said Nick Persampieri, attorney for Earthjustice representing the groups, in a statement.

Desert Rock spokesman Frank Maisano said the appeal is only a delaying tactic that will hold up construction jobs and tax revenue to the Navajo Nation.

"There are really no surprises in this appeal that the opponents of Desert Rock have filed," he said in a statement. "They are the same tired arguments that are misconstrued, misleading and just plain wrong."

Sithe Global Power and Din`E9 Power Authority sued the federal agency to force a decision on Desert Rock's air permit. The EPA had far exceeded the one-year limit under law for making the decision.

Desert Rock, a $3 billion, coal-fired power plant, would produce 1,500 megawatts of electricity on Navajo land about 30 miles southwest of Farmington.

Supporters say it would provide much-needed power for the fast-growing Southwest and economic development on the Navajo Nation. But environmental groups blast Desert Rock's expected emissions of carbon dioxide and mercury.

The appeal was filed by a broad coalition of environmental groups. They are Din`E9 CARE, Environmental Defense Fund, Grand Canyon Trust, Natural Resources Defense Council, Durango-based San Juan Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club and WildEarth Guardians.

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