HOUSTON (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a greenhouse gas permit for a natural gas-fired plant in Texas, the first the federal agency has issued since taking over the Lone Star State’s permitting program in January.

The EPA announced on Thursday it had awarded the permit to the Lower Colorado River Authority, which plans to modernize and expand a 37-year-old unit.

The EPA took over the Texas greenhouse gas permitting program after the state refused to comply with new regulations designed to lower pollution. All states agreed to abide by the rules except Texas.

Gov. Rick Perry, who’s a GOP presidential candidate, has long battled against EPA regulations, accusing the agency of meddling in state affairs.

Texas leads the nation in greenhouse gas emissions and industrial pollution.

Click here for full coverage of Texas’ ongoing battle with the EPA.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.)