Native America Issues
What Can You Do?
Learn about renewable energy issues and how they affect you.
Send letters to the editors of local newspapers supporting renewable energy development and promoting your State’s preference for power.
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Getting utility-scale renewable energy projects off the ground
In 2006, the Grand Canyon Trust approached Navajo leadership about a potential wind-energy project at Aubrey Cliffs. This collaboration between the Navajo Nation, wind developers, and the Trust created a strong team that was able to think through and overcome the challenges of making a utility-scale project operational. First, we created a predevelopment joint venture between Foresight Energy and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). Next, we educated the Navajo Nation Council’s Natural Resource Committee, president, vice-president, and other executives about the challenges of entering into a multimillion dollar project within the established tribal government structure. We also discussed how other tribes — especially the Southern Ute — have addressed these challenges. The Aubrey Cliffs wind project has secured a power purchase agreement for 85 MW from Salt River Project. Most importantly, the Navajo Nation will be a 51 percent owner in the project, thus creating significant revenue streams for the 25 years of the current agreement.
Building on our foundation of expertise and relationships, we advised the Navajo Nation on strategies to develop a renewable energy policy that ensures community benefits, ownership opportunities, and cultural sensitivity. We continue to serve as advisors to Shonto’s utility-scale wind project and other area community driven projects.
Your donations and membership dues make our work with the Navajo and Hopi Tribes possible.
