Black Mesa to Window Rock Horseride!

  • When: April 15 - 19, 2010
  • Where: BLACKMESA, AZ TO WINDOWROCK , AZ
  • Download flyer PDF

Black Mesa Water Coalition featured in newly released Applied Research Center's Navajo green jobs case study | "Translating Green into Navajo"

Black Mesa informational and planning meeting
(Based on Diné six directional model)

  • When: March 13, 2010 8am - 4pm
  • Where: Hard Rock Senior Center, Hardrock, AZ
  • What: This meeting will provide current and historical background about Black Mesa on relocation, mining and environmental justice issues. In utilizing the traditional Diné philosophy model, we will explore proposals to create a stronger future for our people. This meeting will provide sustainable economic models for community development and formulate an action plan with the input and guidance from Navajo community members of the Black Mesa region and throughout the Navajo Nation. So please join us, this meeting is free, open to the public and food will be provided.
  • Download flyer PDF | DOC

Department of Interior Judge Withdraws Peabody's Coal-Mining Permit

Black Mesa, AZ - A Department of Interior Administrative Law Judge withdrew Peabody Coal Company's Life of Mine permit for operations (Black Mesa Complex) on Black Mesa, AZ, handing a major victory to tribal and environmental organizations who appealed the permit decision in January. The permit had been granted on December 22nd 2008 by the Department of Interior's Office of Surface Mining (OSM) in one of several fossil-fuel friendly 11th hour decisions by the Bush Administration.

According Judge Robert G. Holt, "OSM violated NEPA [National Environmental Protection Act] by not preparing a supplemental draft EIS [Environmental Impact Statement] when Peabody changed the proposed action. As a result, the Final EIS did not consider a reasonable range of alternatives to the new proposed action, described the wrong environmental baseline, and did not achieve the informed decision-making and meaningful public comment required by NEPA. Because of the defective Final EIS, OSM's decision to issue a revised permit to Peabody must be vacated and remanded to OSM for further action."

Wahleah Johns, co-director of Black Mesa Water Coalition, one of the petitioners in the appeal, issued the following statement: "As a community member of Black Mesa I am grateful for Judge Holt's decision. For 40 years our sacred homelands and people have borne the brunt of coal mining impacts, from relocation to depletion of our only drinking water source. This ruling is an important step towards restorative justice for Indigenous communities who have suffered at the hands of multinational companies like Peabody Energy. This decision is also precedent-setting for all other communities who struggle with the complexities of NEPA laws and OSM procedures in regards to environmental protection. However, we also cannot ignore that irreversible damage of coal mining industries continues on the land, water, air, people and all living things."

Navajo Green Jobs Victory!

Led by youth, supporters gather in Window Rock to urge Council passage of the Navajo Green Economy Commission Act and the Navajo Green Economy Fund Act

After a year-long effort of intense grassroots action, the Navajo Green Economy Coalition celebrated the passage of groundbreaking green jobs legislation by the Navajo Nation Council during the 21st Summer Session July 20-24. The Council voted 62-1 to establish a Navajo Green Economy Commission, a five-person commission that will seek funding and oversee the approval of small-scale green projects such as wool mills, farmers markets and home weatherization. The Council also voted to create a Navajo Green Economy Fund, which creates an account for receiving federal, state, local, and private funds to make these green projects possible.