DENVER (AP) – The Colorado Mining Association is considering whether to appeal the dismissal of its lawsuit challenging a regional haze plan, which state officials approved to help meet national air quality standards.

The regional haze plan relies on switching some coal-fired power plants to ones fired by natural gas to reduce emissions.

A Denver District Court judge last week dismissed the mining association’s lawsuit challenging state air-quality officials’ approval of the plan. The judge said that even if she sided with the association and overturned the officials’ approval of the plan, it would still remain in effect because legislators also passed the plan.

Colorado Mining Association President Stuart Sanderson said Tuesday the trade group is disappointed in the decision but hasn’t decided yet whether to appeal.

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