Coal's grip on Navajo politics weakens

For the first time in recent memory, no pro-coal candidate is running for Navajo Nation president. Coal has been the tribe's economic bedrock for generations, but voter sentiment is shifting.

Sitting president backed coal and Trump

President Buu Nygren promised to keep the last remaining coal mine open and support the power plant it fuels.

“Because those are hundreds and hundreds of jobs. Those are millions and millions of dollars of revenue that the Navajo Nation receives.”

Voters rejected Nygren in the primary

Sitting President Buu Nygren and thirteen other candidates did not advance past the primary. Voters chose two candidates who oppose coal mining instead.

Justin Jones opposes all mining

Justin Jones, an attorney and former liaison for a coal mine in New Mexico, advanced to the general election. He is opposed to coal mining and any form of mining involving extraction.

“I'm opposed to any form of mining that's where a shovel will go, blast it and get resources out.”

Curley says coal is dying

Crystalyne Curley, speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, is Jones's opponent. She argues the tribe needs an administration with a new plan to move forward beyond coal.

“Coal is dying. It's not coming back. So you do need an administration that will say, this is the new plan to move forward.”

Voters upset with Trump connection

Andrew Curley, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona who wrote a book on Navajo energy politics, says voters were upset by Nygren's alignment with Trump.

Voter near mine hopes for real change

Dailin Long, forty-four, lives near the last remaining coal mine and previously voted for Nygren. He hopes the remaining candidates will follow through on energy policy rather than campaign rhetoric.

“I really do hope they take it to heart and really consider we need an energy policy that works for us.”