Department Leads Discussions on Future Options for Navajo Generating Station

Date: March 1, 2017
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON – Leaders of the Department of the Interior and its Bureau of Reclamation hosted a meeting here today with multiple stakeholders to discuss the future of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS), a coal-fired electric powerplant located near Page, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation. 

Last month, NGS owners agreed to pursue extending operations through 2019 and commence decommissioning activities if an alternative plan for NGS operations cannot be identified. Today’s meeting was a first step in working to identify all stakeholder interests.

Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior, James E. Cason, led today’s discussion with NGS stakeholders at Interior headquarters and issued the following statement at the conclusion of the talks:

“Today’s session gave each stakeholder with an interest in the current and future operation of the Navajo Generating Station an opportunity to review the multiple economic realities facing NGS through 2019 and – potentially – beyond. This economic review is only one piece of the challenges we face. The economies of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe and the state of Arizona are clearly tied to NGS operations.

“For Interior, we are mindful of our Indian Trust relationships to the Navajo and Hopi people and the hundreds of well-paying Navajo and Hopi jobs at NGS and the Kayenta Mine. Interior will continue to facilitate these ongoing discussions. The next important step is for the Navajo Nation and Salt River Project to conclude discussions on a lease extension or amendment that will allow operations to continue through December 2019. In addition, a number of other entities associated with NGS will be discussing options for post-2019 operation."