Arizona Communities, families and environment must remain focus of NGS transition plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Communities, families and environment must remain focus of NGS transition plan

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX –  The legislators from District 7 issued the following statements regarding the announcement from the Navajo Generating Station owners that they will continue operating the plant until 2019, pending the approval of the Navajo Nation:

Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai, D-Cameron (District 7)

"NGS opened in 1976 and was expected to operate for 68 years until 2044. The current plan is to close the plant 25 years earlier than expected.  The southwest, the nation and the world have benefited from the Navajo Generating Station, but the communities surrounding the plant remain underdeveloped, and now the owners are planning an exit.  The reality is we cannot allow what the mining industry did to our tribal nations after the Cold War to be repeated. I am looking forward to working with everyone on this transition, the length of which depends on the leaders of the Navajo Nation.  I hope the recent announcement is sincere and not a stunt to renegotiate a new lease, which would further undervalue natural resources and undercuts revenues going to tribal nations. We must seize this opportunity to develop an industry that can carry on for centuries in the renewable energy sector.”

Rep. Wenona Benally, D-Window Rock (District 7)

"With yesterday's announcement on the closure of NGS, we must now focus our attention on ensuring that the transition is done in a responsible manner. The economic security of the communities impacted is paramount, and I look forward to working on creating opportunities for workers to receive significant job and skills training in other sectors, including the renewable energy industry. Additionally, I look forward to having further discussions about the plans for clean-up and restoration."  

Rep. Eric Descheenie, D-Chinle (District 7)

"My heart goes out to the working women and men who are directly impacted by this issue. All those who are stakeholders in NGS need to commit publicly now how they plan to ensure our families have every opportunity to transition from these unearned circumstances. By that, I mean leaders created the dire circumstance we have before us. Leaders created this, not our families doing their best to make an honest living. I implore leaders to chart a new path, one that is responsive to traditional knowledge and environmental sustainability, in addition to economics. Anything less is unacceptable."

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