Tribal Natural Resources News

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Native American tribes around the West are making critical decisions regarding the management of their natural resources — land, water, fossil fuels and renewable resources. The Tribal Natural Resources Desk aims to produce objective reporting to tell stories of tribes empowering themselves through stewardship and decision-making around their natural resources.
Tribal leaders are working to modernize their economies
Native American communities have long utilized traditional natural resources such as water, lumber, minerals and crops. As they are taking greater roles in the management and preservation of these precious and sometimes finite resources, many are seeking to diversify and modernize their economies and infrastructure.
Public Hearings To Start For Copper Mine Near Superior
The U.S. Forest Service recently released an environmental impact review of the proposal. Resolution Copper wants to build an underground mine on land it would get from a land swap with the Tonto National Forest.
The Navajo Generating Station Receives Final Coal Load
The final trainload of coal was delivered to the Navajo Generating Station in northern Arizona this week. It signals the closure of the Kayenta Mine that feeds it, and spells the beginning of the end of the plant itself.
Presidential Candidates To Address Native American Issues
The National Congress of American Indians and Four Directions will host a first-ever presidential candidate forum to address issues facing Native Americans on Aug. 19 in Iowa.
Court Rules Groups Cant Stop Mining On Navajo Reservation
Environmental groups have tried to hinder expanded coal mining on the Navajo Reservation that powers the Four Corners Power Plant. But the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals put a stop to their bid on Monday.
Four Corners Congressional Members Support Navajo Hualapai Water Bills
This week, the U.S. House Natural Resource Committee is considering a handful of bills that would ensure clean and sustainable water is delivered to tribal lands along the Four-Corner states.
Report: Retrofitting NGS Would Boost Navajo Economy
As Peabody Energy lays off more Navajo workers, the tribe decides what to do with the old coal mine and power plant set to close in coming months.
Report: Tribes Need Help To Recover From NGS Shutdown
The closures of the Navajo Generating Station and the Kayenta mine later this year will gut tribal government budgets in northern Arizona. That’s according to a report published Thursday.
Navajo Council Considers Hemp Pilot Project
The Navajo Nation Council is considering legislation that would authorize the tribe to conduct a hemp pilot project with New Mexico State University.
Navajo Receive Federal Loan To Complete Solar Farm
The federal government is loaning the Navajo Nation $94 million to complete a solar farm and help reduce customer’s electricity rates.
U.S. Officials Delay Oil Leases Near Sacred Tribal Land
U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has agreed to put off oil and gas leasing for a year on land that Native Americans consider sacred surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico.
Utilities Across U.S. Help Navajo Get Power
Utility crews from around the country are volunteering their time to install electricity on the Navajo Nation. Many Navajos today live without light, running water and the internet — things most anyone takes for granted.
Environmentalists, Tribes Battle Proposed Rosemont Mine
A proposed mine in southeastern Arizona is pitting environmentalists and tribes against groups who say this would be a massive economic boon for the state.
Hualapai Hopes Water Settlement Finally Happens This Congress
The Hualapai Tribe on the south rim of the Grand Canyon is hoping its federal water settlement will finally become law.
Companies Pay To Clean Up Abandoned Coal Mines Little By Little
The Interior Department will provide more than $291 million to states and tribes to clean up abandoned coal mines. In all there are $10 billion in abandoned mines that haven't been reclaimed.
Gilbert Seeks Tribal Water To Secure Its Future
Gilbert is one step closer to securing a new water supply for the town. A deal with the San Carlos Apache Tribe was first brokered in 2010, but federal agencies delayed the lease until now.

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