What San Juan's Coal Power Plant Closure Means for The Future of Energy & The Navajo Nation

For almost fifty years, coal dominated the Navajo economy. In April of 2017, the Public Service Company of New Mexico announced they planned to close the San Juan Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in New Mexico, and replace it with other energy sources, including wind and solar. In 2022, the San Juan Generating Station in New Mexico closed, and on August 24, 2024, the station was demolished with a cleanup expected in 2025.

The demolition of the station received mixed reviews from the Navajo Nation. While some supported the demolition, others were tied to the history of the industry and how it provided for their families.

In this episode, Craig is joined by Dr. Andrew Curley, Assistant Professor at the School of Geography, Development & Environment at the University of Arizona. Craig and Andrew discuss coal, its history and use, the impact it has had on the Navajo Nation, the labor force, and the environment, and what the future holds.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Carbon Sovereignty: Coal, Development, and Energy Transition in the Navajo Nation