Desert Rock Vigil, Burnham, New Mexico

This would be the third coal-fired power plant built on Navajo land, and the first co-owned by the Navajos themselves. But not all Navajos want to own a plant that powers air conditioners in Arizona and southern California by burning 5.5 million tons of Navajo coal each year. “They get the electricity and we get the pollution,” said one protester.

The Four Corners power plant, rated at 2040 megawatts, sits on Navajo land in Fruitland, N.M., 25 miles west of Farmington. It is licensed to emit 157 million pounds of sulfur dioxide per year, 122 million pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 8 million pounds of soot per year. Plus it emits 2000 pounds of mercury.

Fifteen miles northwest of Farmington — just outside Navajo territory — we have the 1800-megawatt San Juan Generating Station in Waterflow, New Mexico. It burns an estimated 6.3 million tons of coal each year, releasing more than 100 million pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2), more than 100 million pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx), roughly 6 million pounds of soot, and at least 1000 pounds of mercury.

Just 185 miles to the west lies an even larger coal plant on Navajo land, the 2400-megawatt Navajo Generating Station in Page, Arizona, which burns 8.5 million tons of coal each year, emitting 185 million pounds of sulfur oxides, 143 million pounds of nitrogen oxides, 9 million pounds of soot, and 2400 pounds of mercury.

In 2000, U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimated that existing coal plants produce pollution equivalent to 3.5 million automobiles.

These photos were taken on a recent January trip to offer solidarity to the faithful vigilers huddled around a campfire under a snow laden sky.

Assistance to help in the fight to block the power plant is sought.

• Resisters need money for gas and food, please send to Ms. Elouise Brown, 1015 Glade Lane 34 Farmington, NM 87401
• Media attention: the more media and observers are present the less likely Desert Rock is to run people over or harass them. Contact the media, tell them what is going on. Contact Navajo Authorities, tell them you are extremely concerned. Be a legal observer. Spread this Alert!

  Media Contact: Lori Goodman, cell #: (970) 759-1908, e-mail: kiyaani@frontier.net

• Attend the Rally to Stop Desert Rock and write letters to your NM representatives who will be addressing a tax incentive for Sithe during the current legislative session.

Members of the Navajo Nation gather at the Rally in Santa Fe Feb. 5, 2007

February 5, Monday, 2–3 PM
Rally to Express Opposition to Desert Rock Power Plant
RoundHouse Rotunda, Santa Fe
Desert Rock Power Plant, proposed coal fire power plant near Farmington, NM would greatly increase CO 2 emissions in New Mexico. Some Navajo People are opposing the plant, even though the Navajo Nation has agreed to have the plant. A coalition of groups including NM Interfaith Power and Light is working to oppose a tax incentive for the plant that will come to this legislative session. The purpose of the rally was to bring a large number of people from around the state to Santa Fe to meet with their Senators and Representatives to express their opposition to Desert Rock. (Click here to download sample letter to legislators and click here to read details of issue. Find your rep at www.vote-smart.org) Organizers: Robb Thomson (robbm@toast.net), Lori Goodman, Ben Luce, Holly Beaumont. www.desert-rock-blog.com

Several NMIPL members joined at the rally at the capacity-filled rotunda of the State Capitol on Feb. 5, 2007.