- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley announced on Friday that the 25th Navajo Nation Council will host a public hearing to gather input from community members and stakeholders regarding recent federal initiatives aimed at revitalizing the coal industry in the United States.
On April 8, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order titled “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241.” According to the White House, the order seeks to reverse previous federal policies and promote coal production as part of a broader strategy to enhance national energy security.
“The Navajo Nation is home to many valuable resources, including coal. This public hearing is part of a broader effort to ensure that energy policy decisions reflect the voices of our Navajo people and stakeholders. We have many individuals and groups who support and oppose the production of coal. The Council is answering the call of many who want their voices heard,” Speaker Curley said.
The public hearing will take place on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Forest Lake Chapter. It will also be live-streamed on the Council’s official YouTube and Facebook pages to allow broader participation.
The hearing will provide an open forum for individuals to share their thoughts and perspectives on coal production in light of the new Executive Order. Depending on attendance, each speaker will have between 5 to 7 minutes to present their comments. All statements will be recorded and documented.
“Our goal is to hear the voices of the people to help our leaders guide policy decisions by incorporating the insights and recommendations of our communities and stakeholders. The Office of the Speaker will produce a report based on the public hearing to be shared with our communities, and leaders at the local, state, and federal levels,” Speaker Curley stated.
Translators will be available on-site to assist as needed. In addition to verbal input, written comments will also be accepted during the hearing.
READ Executive Order: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241.
More Stories Like This
Interior Department Moves to Expand Oil and Gas Development in Alaska’s National Petroleum ReserveFeds Release Final Environmental Impact Statement on Oak Flat Mine
Interior Department Announces Over $119 Million for Abandoned Coal Mine Reclamation
Osage Minerals Council Celebrates the Final Dismissal of Hayes II Litigation
Bad River Chairman: "Line 5 is a daily threat to our clean rivers and lakes, our fish, and our wild rice."
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
