New Mexico Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn has put the brakes on a $2 billion transmission project that would carry electricity generated by renewable resources in New Mexico and Arizona to markets across the West.
Dunn announced late Wednesday that he was issuing a 60-day suspension after meeting with the developers. He says that will give his office time to review the project before any further development affects state trust lands.
The Land Office says nearly 30 percent of the proposed line will cross state land.
Two public meetings have also been scheduled March in Deming and Socorro to discuss the project.
Federal officials gave SunZia the green light last week. Approval followed months of negotiations over the line's route near White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico.
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