AZ HCR2001

Expresses legislative support for the continuation of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS), a 2,250 megawatt coal-fired power plant located on Navajo Nation tribal trust lands that serves Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Acknowledges the economic significance of NGS operations and the Kayenta coal mine, which together employ hundreds of workers and contribute $92 million annually in wages, benefits, royalties, and scholarships to the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe.

Notes that remaining owners announced plans to cease NGS operations after the lease expires December 22, 2019, and recognizes the Navajo Nation's December 2018 resolution supporting efforts to find a new owner for the facility.

Raises a legal question regarding whether operators have authority to decommission NGS before the congressionally mandated decommissioning date of December 22, 2044.

Warns that closure of NGS would cause devastating local economic effects, including lost Arizona tax revenue and billions of dollars in direct and indirect economic impact.