Just Transition
Energy Transition Act (ETA)
The Energy Transition Act (SB 489) is legislation signed into law by Governor Lujan Grisham of New Mexico in 2019. The law guides the state's transition from fossil fuels to a cleaner, more renewable, and clean energy-based economy.
The ETA created the Energy Transition Indian Affairs Fund, The Energy Transition Economic Development Assistance Fund, and The Energy Transition Displaced Worker Assistance Fund, which seek to support tribal communities affected, displaced plant workers and discover strategic clean energy approaches to guide economic growth. Additionally, these funds and departments aided the creation of Community Advisory Committees. Each Committee requires membership from each Indian Nation, Pueblo, or Tribe in the impacted community.
The ETA offers resources for workforce retraining for those plant and mine workers impacted by mine closure. This was a vital part of the bill because of a high representation of Native American workers at the mine and generating station.
View the legislation.
Just Transition Report Release
We are proud to publicly release our Just Transition report and webinar. This project gives an in-depth analysis of the Just Transition framework and how it applies to Diné traditional teachings of Hózhǫ́ and K’é. We also examine the history of coal and fossil fuel impacts, while highlighting key themes identified in the community engagement process. The discussion highlights key themes from our community including concerns about job losses, environmental remediation, and support for Diné owned renewable energy initiatives.
Community voices were at the heart of our community engagement process. We developed a 20-question survey and held a Townhall forum to ensure the voices of those most affected are centered throughout the report and webinar. Each perspective was captured for recommendations for funding, economic diversification, and environmental cleanup which are all grounded in the principles of healing and sovereignty.
We invite you to join this vital conversation as we center Hózhǫ́ and K’é in our path forward. Together, we can create the Just Transition that our Nation needs. We demand a future that honors the land, water, and air while building a sustainable legacy for future generations. We encourage you to share with your council delegates, chapter officials, family and friends!
Downloadable Materials:
Just Transition Report
Carbon Capture & Sequestration (CCS)
Downloadable Materials:
CCS One-Pager
Diné C.A.R.E. joined forces with panel of experts to discuss what Carbon Capture & Sequestration (CCS) technology could mean for the Navajo Nation in our webinar, "Rooted in Responsibility & Grounded in Tradition: Examining CCS Technologies on the Navajo Nation".
As Navajo Transitional Energy Company moves forward with its NAVEnergy Hub, it’s important that the community understands what CCS technology entails, the potential implications it has for the environment, and the economic realities behind these proposals. CCS is being promoted as a “solution” to continue fossil fuel operations while reducing carbon emissions.
This recorded webinar provides information to help communities make informed decisions about the energy development that affects the Navajo Nation. As energy companies and government officials make plans that affect our communities, it’s important that community voices and values are centered in these conversations.