WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Speaker Crystalyne Curley announced June 4 that the 25th Navajo Nation Council will hold a second public hearing to receive input from community members and stakeholders regarding federal initiatives aimed at revitalizing the coal industry in the U.S.
President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order entitled, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241” April 8,. The executive order is aimed at reversing past federal policies to boost the coal industry and to strengthen the country’s national energy security, according to the White House.
The Council hosted the first public hearing in Forest Lake, Ariz., where 54 individuals offered oral comments and nearly 170 written comments were received.
“The public hearings are part of a broader effort to ensure that energy policy decisions reflect the voices of our Navajo people and stakeholders,” Curley said. “We have many individuals and groups who support and oppose the production of coal and it’s important that we provide a forum to hear from our people.”
The public hearing is scheduled for June 19 at 9 am at the Nenahnezad Chapter House. The event will also be live-streamed on the Council’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The public hearing will provide an open forum for participants to share their input and comments regarding the production of coal in relation to the Executive Order.
Depending on the number of participants in attendance, individuals will be allowed five to eight minutes to speak. All public comments will be recorded and documented.
“Our goal is to hear the voices of the people to help our leaders guide policy decisions by incorporating the insights and recommendations of our communities and stakeholders,” Curley said. “The Office of the Speaker will produce a report based on the public hearing to be shared with our communities, and leaders at the local, state, and federal levels.”
Written comments will also be accepted at the public hearing, and via email at speakercomments@navajo-nsn.gov.
