The Navajo Nation has been informed of the Federal District Court of Colorado’s decision to vacate the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) concerning the Navajo Transitional Energy Company’s (NTEC) Permit Revision Application, and the Office of Surface Mining’s (OSM) approval of the Permit Revision Application.
The District Court made its decision based on uncertainties over the validity of the Office of Surface Mining’s Environmental Assessment, according to the Nation. Leaders believe the determination of those uncertainties outweighed the vitality of the Navajo Nation economic status.
When rendering its decision, the Court did not consider the affect of revenue and the estimated 800 plus employees of Navajo Mine and the Four Corners Power Plant, argue Nation officials in a joint statement by Navajo Nation Office
of the President and the Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker. In the statement leaders say that the “Navajo Nation remains optimistic and must remain diligent that our efforts will sustain the workforce for years to come. In 2014, royalties and taxes from mining operation contributed over $37 million to the Nation’s general fund account.”
Despite Judge Kane’s ruling, the Navajo Nation leaders remain “confident in the EAand FONSI issued and performed by OSM are valid. Since the Court rendered its decision, additional data and determinations have been completed which may provide updated environmental findings regarding the facts of this case. NTEC has filed a notice of appeal and requested a stay of the decision pending the appeal. The Nation will continue to review and consider all legal options available.”