The Arizona Corporation Commission has denied a request by Salt River Project for a permit that would allow it to expand its Coolidge Generating Station.

The commission denied the request in May, but SRP asked for a rehearing.

Conservationists and residents in the nearby community of Randolf have opposed the expansion, citing concerns over pollution and climate change.

SRP has committed to significantly decrease its carbon footprint by 2035 but says that it will need the plant to meet the Valley’s growing power needs.

The 3-2 ruling means that if the utility wants to pursue the expansion, it will have to do so in Superior Court.