Dooda Desert Rock awakes Shiprock, New Mexico
January 3, 2007
Dooda Desert Rock Committee vigorously opposes the proposed Desert Rock power plant. It is blatant environmental racism and injustice when you place a third Power Plant in an impoverished community with little or no access to health care.
Two existing plants in the vicinity have been called two of the worst point-sources of pollution in the U.S. by the EPA, spewing concentrations of a number of pollutants proven to be damaging to human health and the environment. The health of neighboring residents on Navajo lands has been compromised by their exposure to these toxins. Those residents, and many of their neighbors and supporters, have joined forces to resist forced relocation and exposure to even more toxic pollutants the new plant will add to their already overburdened community.
Members, supporters, citizens and passing motorists converged on the Shiprock District Courthouse on 03JAN2007 between the hours of 11:00AM to approximately 3:00PM.
Supporters held signs and banners against proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant in the area. On the streets, people wore respirators and dusk masks to emphasize the increasingly visible air pollution, they held signs to promote their cause and voice their concerns on the air waves. 87.9 FM was the frequency that carried the emotional pleas of elders directly impacted by this project.
The source was a live short-range radio transmission directly from the Shiprock Courthouse parking lot. Citizens had a chance to pick up the microphone and directly address Steven Begay and party. There were no comments from these proponents of the Desert Rock Energy Project.
In the interest of preserving the Fundamental Laws of the Dine, Dooda Desert Rock Resistance agreed to enter a “no fault” agreement and a permanent injunction to assure the safety of elders, supporters, police personnel and tribal affiliates alike.
“The agreed injunction prohibits any party, and any person or entity associated with a party, from interfering with work on the site or breaking any criminal law, including offenses against the public order, such as unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct or obstructing a public thoroughfare.
District Judge Genevieve Woody approved the consent decree agreement and issued an injunction the morning of Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
With these proceedings now past, Dooda Desert Rock has made a solid showing of support and enthusiasm. “This fight is not just about Navajo Politics, it is now an international-human rights issue.” Says one passing motorist from Grand Junction, Colorado
People in Germany, Australia, Sweden, Canada and France have voiced their support and contributions on behalf of the Dooda Desert Rock (DDR) movement.
Elouise Brown, DDR President
HK Dixon, DDR Media Contact
