Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation to enhance economic resilience in the Four Corners region with the decline of the coal industry.
The Context
Several coal-fired power plants and mines are shuttering or have closed in the Four Corners region as cleaner energy options, such as nuclear, are being explored. These plants sit in Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe territory, and the transition period will mean these Tribes lose revenue and jobs.
Within Arizona, according to Gov. Hobbs's press release, the closure of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS) and Kayenta Mine cost the Navajo 3,700 jobs (700 directly, 3,000 indirectly) and $50 million in annual revenue. The Hopi Tribe took a far more severe hit, losing 85% of its revenue and 1,900 jobs, a proportionately larger number given the Hopi Tribe has approximately 14,000 members.
A New MOU
As a result, the State of Arizona, Navajo Nation, and Hopi Tribe have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase intergovernmental coordination and facilitate the most effective means of sparing the Tribes further economic hardship as coal-fired plants continue to close.
"I am proud to enter into this agreement with the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation, reinforcing our shared commitment to State-Tribal cooperation and promoting new economic opportunities for Tribal communities," said Gov. Hobbs, adding, "Creating partnerships that affirm Tribal sovereignty and strengthen Arizona's economy is key to delivering the Arizona Promise."
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said, "For decades, it was Navajo energy that helped power the Southwest, fueling the growth of states like Arizona, Nevada, and California, where populations continue to rise despite Navajo water being debated for use."
"Meeting the energy demands of the future will require everyone to work together," Nygren continued. "This is about more than strengthening our economies - it is about protecting our land, embracing responsible innovation, and making sure Navajo families are thriving here 100 years from now."
Finally, Hopi Tribe Chairman Lamar Keevama stated, "Northeastern Arizona has been home to the Hopi people since time immemorial and to generations of our neighbors in the region. This MOU reflects our shared commitment to working together to strengthen economic resilience across the Four Corners Region."
"By bringing together our knowledge, resources, and priorities, this agreement strengthens intergovernmental coordination and commits to lasting economic and workforce development opportunities that will uplift all our communities," Keevama concluded.
