FERC Rejects Big Canyon Pumped Hydro Project on Navajo Nation Land, Upholding Tribal Opposition to Energy Development.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected a proposal to install a massive pumped hydropower project on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, marking a new policy by the agency to not advance energy projects opposed by tribes whose land would be affected. The proposed Big Canyon Pumped Hydro project would have dammed the Lower Colorado River and flooded hundreds of acres to create reservoirs for power storage and dispatch. The Navajo Nation had filed comments opposing the project, arguing that it could create “adverse impacts” to water and cultural resources. The decision was unanimous by FERC’s three current members, who stated that the project would be located entirely on Navajo Nation land and the Nation had stated it opposes issuing of the permit.