Letter to the editor: Kayenta mine will be reclaimed in accordance with law
To the editor:
I am writing nhonews.com and the Navajo-Hopi Observer to reply to the guest column of Vernon Masayesva of the Black Mesa Water Coalition.
In his guest editorial, Mr. Masayesva expresses concern that Peabody Coal's recent bankruptcy and the use of self-bonds will allow the company to leave behind its mining operations on tribal land without properly reclaiming them.
For the record, Peabody's Kayenta mine on the Hopi and Navajo reservations are fully bonded with more than $245 million in surety bonds. The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), which regulates coal mining on these lands, has not allowed Peabody to use self-bonding on the reservations.
The Interior Department and OSMRE stand fully committed to ensuring that when mining is complete, all lands, including Navajo and Hopi tribal lands, are reclaimed, in accordance with the law.
Christopher Homes, public affairs specialist
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Washington, D.C.
- Reopening of Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance questioned
- Grand Canyon east entrance to reopen April 8
- American Rescue Plan to be largest investment in Native programs in history
- Navajo CARES Act funding to continue through 2021
- Navajo police recruits share goals, prepare for 26-week academy
- Easter greetings from the Navajo Nation President
- Hardship Assistance payments set to begin Jan. 18
- City of Page pushes for reopening of Grand Canyon’s east entrance
- Navajo calendar rooted in tradition & necessities
- Why ‘Come and Get Your Love’ now? After 46 years ‘the time has come’
- American Rescue Plan to be largest investment in Native programs in history
- Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise announces a soft reopening on March 19
- Reopening of Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance questioned
- Navajo CARES Act funding to continue through 2021
- Tax filing due date delayed until May 17
- Decorated Vietnam veteran from Tuba City honored by Navajo Hopi Honor Riders
- American Rescue Plan has $31 billion coronavirus solutions for Native people
- Hardship Assistance payments set to begin Jan. 18
- Arizona governor lifts mask mandates, re-opens bars
- Electric car manufacturing company coming to Flagstaff
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to: