FARMINGTON, NM (AP) – A program providing Navajos with free coal to heat their homes starts later this month. Many Navajos still use coal as a source of heating, but access to it became more difficult after a coal-fired power station and its utility mine in northeastern Arizona closed last year.
The only remaining operational coal mine on the reservation is the Navajo Mine in northwest New Mexico. The owner, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, expanded its coal resource program to fill the gaps.
Any of the Navajo Nation’s 110 chapters in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah can request tickets for coal on behalf of community members. The Navajos must fetch the coal themselves from the Navajo Mine outside Farmington, New Mexico. One ticket is equivalent to one ton of coal.
Navajo Transitional Energy Company officials say they will load the coal into vehicles to keep them safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Pickups will be available Wednesday through Friday starting October 28th. Saturday availability is subject to tribe public health regulations.
The tribe has put in place daily curfews and weekend lockouts to keep the coronavirus from spreading. The blocking applies at least until the Halloween weekend.
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