The Dooda Desert Rock Committee, a group of Navajos opposed to a power plant on the reservation, staged a protest at the inauguration of President Joe Shirley Jr.
The group tried to enter the fairgrounds in Window Rock, Arizona, where the ceremonies were taking place. They were blocked by police officers so they moved marched elsewhere in town.
Shirley has proposed the $1.2 billion coal-fired power plant as a way to generate revenues and create jobs. But Navajos in the Shiprock, New Mexico-area say it will harm the environment and sacred sites.
Navajo elders occupied the power plant site shortly before Christmas. Shirley met with them but did not agree to pull back the project.
Get the Story:Resisters hit police blockade (The Gallup Independent 1/15) Relevant Links:
Desert Rock Clean Air Act Proposed PSD Permit - http://www.epa.gov/region09/air/permit
Desert Rock Energy Project - http://www.desertrockenergy.com
Din� Citizens Against Ruining our Environment - http://dinecare.indigenousnative.org Related Stories:
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EPA extends comment period on Navajo power plant (10/31)
Navajos criticize tribe's proposed power plant (10/06)
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Editorial: Public comment on Navajo power plant (09/21)
Commentary: Environmental justice for Navajos (07/26)
Navajos worried about power plant emissions (7/25)
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Photos show Navajo opposition to power plant (7/19)
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Navajo Nation Council OKs power plant lease (5/15)
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BIA holds hearings on reservation power plant (03/29)
EPA seeks to reduce mercury from power plants (03/16)
EPA to issue new rule on mercury emissions (3/15)
EPA proposes rule to curb power-plant emissions (3/11)
Senate committee deadlocks on 'Clear Skies' bill (3/10)
Report faults EPA for mercury rule favoring industry (3/8)
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Report: EPA's mercury proposal biased towards industry (02/04)
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