PHOENIX (AP) — Communities on the Navajo and Hopi Nations are bracing for what they say will be devastating economic fallout after the owners of a coal-fired power plant decided to close the location.
The decision announced Monday to close the Navajo Generating Station in 2019 would lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs, including at a coal mine that supplies the fuel for the plant.
Hopi Tribal Chairman Herman Honanie said the tribes are concerned with the severe impact the shutdown will have on their already struggling communities and revenue. Honanie said the Hopi Tribe derives at least 80 percent of its revenue from the sites.
Environmentalists are calling the closure an important moment. Jihan Gearon of the Black Mesa Water Coalition said the plant’s water pollution and heavy mining of coal from the ground hurt the environment.