A Department of Interior office has concluded a series of field hearings on and off the Navajo and Hopi reservations to discuss the Peabody Coal mines.

The Office of Surface Mining is preparing an environmental impact statement to analyze the impacts of the mines and Peabody's cleanup plans. Comment was taken during eight public meetings this month.

At the final meeting in Flagstaff, some Navajo and Hopi tribal members protested Peabody's use of a local water source. Hopi elders say their traditional springs are drying up because the mine is drawing so much water.

Some Navajo and Hopi officials told of the mine's positive impact. The tribes receive millions in revenue and taxes, which fund governmental services.

Get the Story:
Tempers flare in public meeting on future of Peabody Coal (The Navajo-Hopi Observer 1/20)
Peabody Coal controversy floods community (The Lumberjack 1/20)
OSM Schedules Public Meetings and Comment Period on Proposed Operation and Reclamation Plans for Black Mesa and Kayenta Coal Mines (OSM 12/22)

Relevant Links:
Office of Surface Mining - http://www.osmre.gov
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us
Peabody Energy - http://www.peabodyenergy.com

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