Nez-Lizer Administration Works to Advance Renewable Energy Initiatives for the Navajo Nation

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez meeting with Salt River Project officials in Phoenix,
Ariz. on July 25, 2019.

Published July 27, 2019

PHOENIX – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development Executive Director JT Willie met with Salt River Project (SRP) Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Mike Hummel on Thursday, to discuss the progress of a partnership to advance potential renewable energy projects on the Navajo Nation.

On April 2, President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued the historic “Navajo Háyoołkááł (Sunrise) Proclamation” stating that the Navajo Nation will pursue and prioritize renewable energy development for the long-term benefit of the Navajo people. Soon after, the Office of the President and Vice President established the Háyoołkááł Work Group to address various energy matters including renewable energy projects.

In November 2018, SRP announced plans to add 1,000 megawatts of new utility-scale solar energy to its system by the end of fiscal year 2025. The Nez-Lizer Administration has held several discussions with SRP officials regarding SRP’s intent to issue a request for proposals for a potential solar energy project on the Navajo Nation with the possibility of using existing transmission lines that the Navajo Nation will acquire the rights to use following the closure of the Navajo Generating Station.

During Thursday’s meeting with SRP CEO Mike Hummel, President Nez noted that the Háyoołkááł Work Group has met with several entities and community-based organizations to receive input and recommendations on energy issues including the use of the transmission lines for renewable energy projects.

He also acknowledged that the development of projects should involve members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, including the Resources and Development Committee.

“As we’ve stated before, the Nez-Lizer Administration believes that the time is now for our Nation to prioritize renewable energy. Our people, especially the younger people, want change and that includes the way we produce energy and that’s what we are committed to. Working together with the Navajo Nation Council, we can work toward becoming a renewable energy giant in the energy market,” said President Nez.

The Nez-Lizer Administration’s Háyoołkááł Work Group is comprised of officials from the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Economic Development, Division of Community Development, Navajo Nation Washington Office, and the Office of the President and Vice President.

In the state of New Mexico, the Navajo Nation recently secured $2 million from the state to assist with renewable energy initiatives, which President Nez and Vice President Lizer have directed to be used for a solar energy project at Paragon Ranch on the Navajo Nation.

The Nez-Lizer Administration looks forward to continuing discussions with SRP regarding renewable energy initiatives of the Navajo Nation.