FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2026
Contact:
- Nicole Horseherder, Tó Nizhóní Ání, 928-240 0762, nicole@tonizhoniani.org
- Adrian Herder, Tó Nizhóní Ání, 928-380 3914, adrian@tonizhoniani.org
TNA responds to MOU between Arizona, the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe on coal community transition
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – In response to this morning’s event at which Gov. Hobbs signed an agreement with the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe committing to work together on issues of coal community transition and economic development, Tó Nizhóní Ání offers the following statement of support:
“It is encouraging to see the issue of coal community transition for tribal communities finally getting the recognition it deserves. It’s long overdue for Navajo and Hopi communities that are on the economic and environmental frontlines of the energy transition to see support from the governments that represent them.
“From coal and uranium to pipelines and transmission lines, our tribes for far too long have suffered the negative impacts of energy development on our lands, our waters, and our health without the full benefits that others enjoy. With this announcement, we now look forward to working closely with the Hobbs Administration, President Nygren and Chairman Keevama to help ensure that wrongs of the past are righted and our communities get the support they need.”
-Nicole Horseherder, executive director, Tó Nizhóní Ání
For the past eight years, Tó Nizhóní Ání has formally intervened in various proceedings before the Arizona Corporation Commission, striving to secure transition assistance from utilities for tribal and other communities impacted by utility decisions to retire coal plants decades earlier than planned.
###
Tó Nizhóní Ání, which translates as “Sacred Water Speaks,” is a Diné-led nonprofit organization established in 2001 from the Black Mesa region. Tó Nizhóní Ání is rooted in water protection and works to bring power back to our Diné communities impacted by coal while leading community transition away from fossil fuels. Tó bee iiná. Water is life.
