Court says opponents can sue over coal plant rule

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Supreme Court says opponents can proceed with a lawsuit over converting some coal plants to natural gas.

The court ruled Monday that opponents can challenge decisions issued by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission that would shut down coal power plants along the Front Range, converting them to higher cost natural gas.

The Public Utilities Commission claimed the appeals were not properly filed and should have been dismissed.

The Colorado Mining Association says the case will proceed in Denver District Court.