'It's Time for a Just and Equitable Transition' Dine' tell Arizona Corporation Commission: Photo Essay by Tó Nizhóní Ání

'It's Time for a Just and Equitable Transition' Dine' tell Arizona Corporation Commission

Photos by Tó Nizhóní Ání

(Top photo) At the Arizona Corporation Commission in Phoenix on Monday, Lorraine Herder and Edith Simonson, Black Mesa sheepherders and weavers, carry a sign that reads, "50 YEARS OF INJUSTICE. ACC: TIME TO GIVE BACK!" Lorraine and Edith, like many elders on Black Mesa, have seen tremendous changes during their lifetime. From the disappearance of the seeps and springs in their community to the lack of precipitation today. They are here to ensure communities like theirs get the Just & Equitable Transition they need.

Black Mesa youth holding a sign that reads "FIRST COAL MINING, NOW CLIMATE CHANGE."

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Nicole Horseherder holding up a piece of coal while talking about it's history and impacts on Black Mesa and in the Southwest.

Chili Yazzie of Shiprock, New Mexico, shares his story and experiences of climate change and industry impacts in the Four Corners region and why JET is important for coal-impacted communities. "Ahéhee' Chili for your words and support!" -- Tó Nizhóní Ání

Navajos Demand Just Transition after Peabody Coal's Bankruptcy

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Peabody’s Declaration of Bankruptcy is 'No Surprise'

Navajo Tribal Members Demand Just Transition to a Sustainable Economy

By Black Mesa Water Coalition

Censored News

French translation by Christine Prat at:

http://www.chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=3385

NAVAJO NATION, Ariz. -- The nation's largest coal company, Peabody Energy Corporation, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday's the coal industry grapples with the fallout of low natural gas prices and the increased enforcement of federal regulations. Peabody has ownership stakes in 26 mines in Australia and the U.S. including the Kayenta Mine located in the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation. This declaration of bankruptcy has many Navajo communities asking what this means in terms of Peabody's responsibility to workers, health care and the clean up the region’s land and water, and transition its economy.

It’s telling to witness the various Navajo responses to Peabody’s bankruptcy filing,” said Jihan Gearon, Executive Director of the Navajo non-profit Black Mesa Water Coalition (BMWC). “Some people are celebrating it as an indicator of the potential shutdown of the Kayenta Mine and an end to the coal complex’s contamination of the environment and people’s health. Others are worried about the potential loss of jobs and impact to the Navajo Nation’s economy. Yet everyone is calling for a commitment from Peabody and government leaders to meet its obligation to clean up and to support a just transition to a new economy.”