Hydrogen Informational Summit – Western Agency
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Tó Nizhóní Ání (Sacred Water Speaks) organized a Hydrogen Informational Summit at Moenkopi Legacy Inn and Suites in Tuba City, Arizona. Over 30 people across the reservation attended the event in person and many more via Facebook Live. Most participants were Diné (Navajo) and had already heard about the proposed GreenView hydrogen pipeline but wanted further information. Our organization was able to bring together subject matter experts such as Bill Caram of Pipeline Safety Trust, Beth Trask of Environmental Defense Fund, who provided in-depth information on topics like hydrogen and climate change impacts, and pipeline safety and regulations for hydrogen. Dan Esposito of Energy Innovation was not able to join us but provided a pre-recording of his presentation on 45V Tax Credits which we played during lunch. There was also a panel discussion with local community leaders who shared their community’s awareness and understanding of hydrogen and potential hydrogen projects as well as the Navajo Nation’s 164-Process.
Throughout the summit, there were plenty of question-and-answer opportunities especially after each presentation. Some of the comments included the following: The connection between the Navajo’s history of resource exploitation and environmental injustice, opposition to Greenview’s project due to the volatility and explosive nature of hydrogen, environmental concerns, pipeline safety concerns, water use concerns, land encroachment concerns, and no substantial community benefits or adequate community engagement by developers.
This event was an excellent opportunity to further community knowledge and awareness of hydrogen and potential hydrogen project impacts on or near Navajo. We sincerely appreciate all that attended in person and via Facebook Live as well as the Moenkopi Legacy Inn and Suites staff for their hospitality. We’d also like to thank Bill for making the trip out from Washington to be with us in Tuba City, Arizona. To stay up to date on our hydrogen education efforts, Like and Follow us on social media @tonizhoniani and subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.
Presentations are linked below:
- Bill Caram – Pipeline Safety Trust Presentation
- Beth Trask, Environmental Defense Fund – Presentation
- Dan Esposito, Energy Innovation – Presentation
Facebook Livestream of the event:
For more information about this event, please email Jessica@tonizhoniani.org and Eleanor@tonizhoniani.org.
