"SunZia transmission line construction in Arizona can proceed, judge rules," 17 April 2024

A U.S. judge has refused to block construction on a segment of Pattern Energy's... SunZia renewable energy transmission line in southeastern Arizona that will carry wind energy...to customers.

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Zipps in Tucson rejected a request... finding Native American tribes and two environmental groups filed their... lawsuit challenging federal approvals for the... project years too late.

The SunZia transmission line will connect wind farms in New Mexico to electricity markets in Arizona and California, and is expected to begin commercial service in 2026...

The judge also said BLM complied with its obligation under the National Historic Preservation Act to identify culturally significant properties in the valley and consider measures to mitigate potential harms.

Hilary Tompkins, an attorney for Pattern Energy, said in a statement the challengers already had ample opportunity to raise concerns, adding the company remains committed to protecting sensitive resources during construction.

Spokespeople for the plaintiffs didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

BLM declined to comment.

The plaintiffs claim the development could disturb ancestral villages, burial grounds and other sacred sites. They sued after the government gave final construction approvals... arguing they were issued without adequate cultural protections in violation of the National Historic Preservation Act and federal administrative law.