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Louisiana teachers worry about state constitution changes. Ohio experts support a $15 minimum wage for 1 million people. An Illinois mother seeks passage of a medical aid-in-dying bill. And Mississippi advocates push for restored voting rights for ex-inmates.

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Biden says the U.S. won't arm Israel for a Rafah attack, drawing harsh criticism from Republicans. A judge denies former President Trump's request to modify a gag order. And new data outlines priorities for rural voters in ten battleground states.

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Some small towns in North Dakota worry they'll go to pot if marijuana is legalized, school vouchers are becoming a litmus test for Republicans, and Bennington, Vermont implements an innovative substance abuse recovery program.

Navajo Nation hydrogen project raises red flags in New Mexico

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Monday, January 8, 2024   

Hydrogen power is touted as a game-changer in curbing climate change. But in New Mexico, those who feel exploited by the fossil fuel industry have serious concerns.

The Tallgrass Energy company has proposed what could be the country's longest hydrogen pipeline running through the Navajo Nation.

Some leaders on the Nation see it as a financial opportunity that could help outset impacts from the closure of coal-fired power plants.

Others are skeptical - including Navajo Nation New Mexico Community Organizer Jessica Keetso, who said all methods of hydrogen production require water and many on the Nation are already water-stressed.

"The question of where are they getting their water," said Keetso, "and how does a place like Navajo Nation justify that, where a lot of people don't have running water, still?"

The Biden administration sees hydrogen power as a key to achieving its climate goals.

And Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has said she's committed to introducing hydrogen development to New Mexico, even though the state was not selected for one of several hubs last year by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Oil and gas companies promote hydrogen as a clean alternative to natural gas. At the same time, experts say many environmental and technological challenges still need to be addressed.

That's a concern for New Mexico, a major producer of oil and natural gas without consistent success controlling methane venting and flaring at production sites.

Keetso said people living on the Nation want more facts about proposed projects.

"A lot of energy developers who want to use Navajo Nation for whatever part of their project," said Keetso, "they like to say, 'This is a done deal.' They've made people feel helpless and hopeless, and it's worked to their advantage in pushing projects forward."

In addition to adequate water, Keetso said those attending meetings are worried about the pipeline's infrastructure safety, encroachment onto personal property, a lack of information about community benefits and the project's timeline.

According to Keetso, a resolution opposing the Tallgrass Energy project has been approved by a significant number of chapter houses, which are similar to city councils.




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