How a Coal Mine in Montana Could Screw the Navajo Nation
Photo: Byron C. Shorty (AP)
The overwhelming economic consensus is that coal is out, renewables are in. Yet one company, associated with the Navajo Nation, doesn’t seem to have gotten the message and may be weighing the tribe down with more coal baggage as the rest of the country moves on.
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A judge last week blocked the expansion of the Spring Creek Mine in Montana, ruling that the federal government needs to issue an updated environmental review to more closely examine the impacts of mining more coal in the region. The ruling marked the latest development in a years-long struggle over Spring Creek, the largest mine in the state.
Heidi Beedle
Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to a fire at Johnnyâs Navajo Hogan the morning of Jan. 12, closing northbound Nevada Avenue at East Polk Street.
âAfter the investigation from our fire investigators, it was found to be an accidental fire caused by a malfunction in the dryer,â said Captain Michael Smaldino, the CSFD public information officer. âThere was damage throughout the structure caused by smoke and damage from fire in the laundry area in the basement. No injuries were reported thankfully. Early 911 reporting by employees kept the fire small as well as the quick response by firefighters.â
On Facebook, Johnnyâs Navajo Hogan posted, âThe fire was started in the laundry area and unfortunately caused structural and electrical damage to the lower level of the building. We are very thankful for CSFD for arriving quickly and extinguishing the fire! We have some work ahead of us to get everythin