Navajo Leaders Decry President’s Uranium Transport Approval and Trump’s Coal Order as a Deep Betrayal

Advocates from the Navajo Nation convened outside the council meeting hall on Monday, expressing their frustration over President Buu Nygren’s unexpected endorsement of Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at revitalizing the coal industry. The event aimed to communicate their disappointment directly to Nygren, but he was in Washington, D.C., highlighting a disconnect between leadership and constituents.

The absence of Nygren intensified advocates’ frustrations, especially as they wished to discuss recent decisions impacting their community. Among these was a controversial agreement with Energy Fuels, allowing uranium transportation across the Navajo Nation. This under-the-radar agreement includes commitments from the company to remediate abandoned uranium mines, but critics raise concerns about increased truck traffic carrying uranium ore from a mine near the Grand Canyon to a mill in Utah.

This agreement is not limited to the western side; it could extend to eastern Navajo lands in New Mexico if the proposed Roca Honda Mine receives operational approval. The mine has gained momentum as a “priority project” under Trump’s executive orders aimed at enhancing domestic energy production.

At the rally, advocate Percy Deal delivered a powerful message in both English and Navajo, condemning the long-term impacts of coal extraction and water depletion on the Black Mesa plateau. He questioned Nygren’s rationale for supporting coal production, referring to him as “the man in the black hat” and expressing disappointment that local voices were not consulted before such significant decisions were made.

“All these things probably are now in the hands of Mr. yellow hair,” Deal asserted, criticizing the lack of consultation with affected community members. “He could have gone out to, for example, the Black Mesa and talked to us.”

Nygren’s spokesperson, Alastair Bitsoi, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the backlash. However, Nygren addressed critics in a letter posted on social media, defending his decisions by emphasizing the importance of American energy dominance and the Navajo Nation’s role in it.

“Our lands have natural resources and transmission lines. We will forever be part of the American energy framework,” Nygren wrote, articulating his commitment to engaging with federal energy discussions.

Yet, many advocates remain skeptical. They point out the stark contrast between Nygren’s actions and the environmental priorities stated on his official website, which emphasizes mitigating climate change effects and empowering community voices in environmental decision-making.

Larry J. King, a former uranium miner, expressed deep concern about Nygren’s apparent shift in priorities. He recalled witnessing the devastating United Nuclear spill in New Mexico and contrasted Nygren’s endorsement of the energy industry with promises made during his campaign to address uranium mine waste issues in communities like Red Water Pond.

“He’s just making a turnaround, and in support of all this industry wanting to come and desecrate,” King said, reflecting the sentiments of many who feel betrayed by Nygren’s recent endorsements.