Navajo Resources Committee chairman Arthur attends White House meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On July 22, Navajo Nation Council Delegate and Resources Committee Chairman George Arthur attended a White House meeting regarding renewable energy development on Native lands. The gathering, hosted by Domestic Policy Advisor Kim Teehee and Intergovernmental Affairs Deputy Associate Director Jodi Gillette, brought together tribal members from the Indian County Renewable Energy Consortium (ICREC), White House energy and environmental policy officials, and representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Department of Energy.

During the meeting, Chairman Arthur outlined the progress the Navajo Nation has made in developing wind and thermal power projects.  In addition, Arthur also focused on streamlining the leasing and permitting process tribes must maneuver with the BIA for new energy ventures.

Arthur suggested that a one-stop agency or office could serve as a central administration regarding development on native lands allowing for more collaboration for tribal energy and economic development.

The ICREC combines the expertise of native people and their allies with great interest in pursuing all aspects of renewable development.  The ICREC represents a consortium which identifies the hurdles that inhibit development and seek to outline an agenda to address future challenges and opportunities.

As the Washington meetings convened, the Navajo Nation Council passed the Navajo Green Commission Act that would help establish "green jobs" across the Navajo Nation.   The commission would help coordinate long-term green economic planning with existing tribal departments and divisions while seeking and securing state, federal and private funding for its operations and various projects.

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