Coal was once the dominant U.S. energy source, powering the country’s growth from the late 1800s into the 1950s. Although it has given way to cleaner, more efficient and more transportable fuels, President Donald Trump has been a vocal proponent of a coal revival. The Navajo Nation could be a central figure in coal’s comeback, but the tribe has a complicated history with the fossil fuel — while it has served as a crucial heating source and pillar of the local economy, it has also left a legacy of health and environmental devastation.
Join us Aug. 3 to hear from a panel of experts who will discuss the future of Navajo Coal Country. Among the topics will be a proposal from the tribally owned Navajo Transitional Energy Company to extend the life of a New Mexico coal mine — that helps power homes in Phoenix — by more than a century.
The free discussion will be moderated by Gabriel Pietrorazio, KJZZ senior field correspondent. RSVP to attend and submit your questions for the panel.
Monday, August 3, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Conference Center @ Rio Salado College
2323 W 14th St, Tempe, AZ 85281