The Navajo Nation Council has given its approval to a lease extension to allow the Navajo Generating Station in Page to continue operating through December 2019.
After about eight hours of debate during a June 26 meeting, the council voted 18-4 to grant the extension. The vote means that approximately 700 jobs at the coal-fired power plant will continue, at least for the short term, and the Kayenta coal mine will continue to produce in order to fuel the plant.
With the country leaning toward using less expensive natural gas for power generation, plant owners made the decision in February to close NGS, with that closure to come by the end of the year if the council did not approve an extension. With the added time the council can either locate a new operator or consider other industry to employ those who will lose their jobs with the eventual closure.
The operation of the plant contributes millions of dollars in annual tax revenue and is a major employer for the region, including residents of Navajo County. Navajo County administrators have expressed concern over the fiscal impact of job loss from both the power plant and the coal mine once those operations cease.
