BIA holds public hearings on Navajo power plant

Monday, July 16, 2007  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding 10 public hearings this month on the Navajo Nation's proposed power plant.

The tribe and its partner Sithe Global want to build a $3 billion, coal-fired power plant near Shiprock, New Mexico. The tribe says the Desert Rock Power Plant will generate jobs and revenue.

Opponent include tribal members who live near Shiprock. A small group, mostly Navajo women, has been occupying the project site in hopes of blocking construction on the facility. They say the power plant will harm the environment and destroy sacred sites.

The hearings start tomorrow and will be held in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. Written comments are being accepted through August 20.

Get the Story:
Navajo Coal-Fired Plant Called a Cleaner Energy Source, but Critics Disagree (The Albuquerque Journal 7/15)
Suit challenges coal-mine permits (AP 7/14)
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Relevant Links:
Desert Rock Clean Air Act Proposed PSD Permit - http://www.epa.gov/region09/air/permit
Desert Rock Energy Project, BIA site - http://www.desertrockenergy.com
Desert Rock Energy Project, company site - http://www.desertrockenergyproject.com
Dine Citizens Against Ruining our Environment - http://dinecare.indigenousnative.org

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