Navajo Nation:Sustainable Development

Tom YersakSummer 2008

Window Rock, AZ

Navajo Hopi Land Commission Office-Executive Director: Roman Bitsuie ’78

-Established by the Navajo Government in 1980’s to address development issues of the Bennett Freeze Area-Bennett Freeze: A mandated freeze of all construction on disputed land between the Hopi and Navajo. 30+ years

-NHLCO charged with acquiring 30,000 acres of new tribal land for the benefit of relocates.-Mr. Bitsuie has interpreted the NHLCO’s authority to include the development these lands for the benefit of those affected by the Bennett Freeze.

Bitsi-Paragon Ranch- Located South of Chaco Canyon, NM - I attempted to conduct preliminary research on water rights, ROW’s, archeological impacts etc. using an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for a formerly proposed coal plant on this site.- Several companies have submitted preliminary proposals

Other Activities- Prof. Soboyejo’s solar lantern

Real use or educational tool?- Conducted research for NHLC lawyer regarding broken solar cistern-septic systems- Reader for Rehabilitation Trust Fund proposals- Gave educational renewable energy talks at a NHLC meeting and a summer youth group meeting- Explored issues regarding siting 4 donated solar dishes at Diné College

Bureaucratic DysfunctionWhat entity should oversee sustainable energy development projects on the Reservation?

- Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA)?- Diné Power Authority (DPA)?- Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Office

(NHLCO)?- Local Communities?

No established framework for energy development. The economic development system is also very complex and difficult to navigate.

McCain: “The system is broken” . . . even he can understand that this is an economic disaster. . .

ExamplesDesert Rock and Sithe GlobalDPA (a tribal company) bypassed the tribal

government and leased land to a coal plant developer for only $100,000 a year, giving up millions in royalties.NHLCO

- Preoccupied with a 2 year long audit- Already attempted energy development

before and failed. How much is talk? Does this office really have the authority?NTUA and Arizona Power (APS):

- Battle of jurisdiction. Boundaries are vague and can vary street to street.

- NTUA has not attempted to implement net-metering on the reservation’s grid.

My Reflection