Creation Covenant Alliance

Summit on Navajo Examines Tribe’s Past and Future Connection with Energy

Mike Halona, executive director of the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, talks about the purpose of the tribe’s energy summit on June 5 in Albuquerque. Credit: Noel Lyn Smith/Inside Climate News

Navajo Nation Navigates Challenges in Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy

The Navajo Nation’s shift from fossil fuel production to the generation of renewable energy is encountering various obstacles. A three-day conference was recently held, attended by tribal and chapter government officials, energy companies, nonprofit organizations, and others. The event examined the tribe’s interaction with energy production in the past and the challenges faced in redefining this relationship, including capitalizing on financial incentives introduced by the Biden administration for renewable energy development.

Mike Halona, executive director of the tribe’s Division of Natural Resources, stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “From my perspective, we have one shot, and this is it… How can we solidify, when we leave here, a good common goal to be able to make these projects happen?”

Upon taking office in January 2023, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren prioritized the exploration of energy development. The ultimate goal is to address the needs of the Navajo people. The Navajo Nation has a long history with the extraction of natural resources, including coal, oil, gas, helium, sand, and gravel from its land for the past century.

With coal production revenue declining since the early 2000s due to various mine closures, the tribe has been seeking new sources of income. In 2020, oil production also dipped due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has since rebounded, as reported by Rowena Cheromiah, minerals department director.

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aims to foster tribal energy development, bolster tribes’ energy and economic infrastructure, and help bring electricity to tribal lands and homes. It is headed by Wahleah Johns, a Diné from northeast Arizona, who was appointed to the role by the Biden administration in 2021.

The federal government and the Navajo Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the tribe’s access to federal funding. This funding would aid the tribe’s transition to clean energy and its efforts to rejuvenate their economy. The Hopi Tribe, also impacted economically by coal mine closures, has a similar MOU with the federal government.

Solar development is underway over the Navajo’s 27,000 square miles of land, with independent operators installing standalone solar systems in homes. However, as of last year, 21 percent of homes on the Navajo Nation still lack electricity. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, a tribal enterprise, has built two solar farms, with further sites under development. Other active projects include helium production sites and potentially a hydrogen pipeline crossing the Navajo Nation, proposed by Tallgrass Energy through its subsidiary GreenView.

The Navajo tribal council adopted its first energy policy in 1980, which was revised and replaced in 2013. The policy covers exploration, development, sustainable management, and the use of the tribe’s energy resources. It also called for the establishment of an energy office, which has not yet been realized. This lack of structure has led to confusion about project proposals and which companies to approach with project ideas, leading to calls for another review of the policy.

Another area of concern for the tribe is remediation, or cleanup of abandoned uranium mines and orphaned oil and gas wells. As the Navajo Nation continues to shift towards renewable energy, it’s clear that this transition involves not only the implementation of new projects and technologies but also the resolution of longstanding environmental issues.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024