In a significant ruling Tuesday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that would allow gas-fired power plant to be built near Avenal, a Central Valley town 60 miles southwest of Fresno. The plant was first proposed in 2008 but has been fought by a statewide coalition of environmental groups. The EPA wanted to issue the permit under an old set of air pollution rules after more stringent regulations had been imposed under the Clean Air Act. The court admonished the agency, saying the Clean Air Act does not permit the EPA to waive requirements whenever it is convenient to do so. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.