A judge has ruled against Salt River Project’s proposed expansion of a gas-fired plant near Coolidge.

The decision was celebrated by conservationists and local residents.

Last year, the Arizona Corporation Commission rejected the utility’s request for a certificate of environmental compatibility.

SRP appealed the decision, and on Friday, a judge upheld the ACC’s ruling.

Conservationists say the utility should pursue cleaner energy.

Residents of Randolph, a community of color located near the plant, have opposed the project because of noise, pollution and other factors.

Sandy Bahr is with the Sierra Club.

"It’s a really big and important win for the people of Randolf, who have been fighting environmental injustice for decades. And now their voices have been heard by the commission and now the courts as well," Bahr said.

SRP says the expansion will be necessary to meet future power demands as the Valley grows.