WASHINGTON D.C. — Delegate Carl Roessel Slater of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, representing the communities of Tsaile/Wheatfields, Lukachukai, Round Rock, Tséch’izhí, and Rock Point, delivered a poignant testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Dec. 5. The hearing, titled “Limited Access and Damaging Gateway Economies: Examining the National Parks Air Tour Management Program,” included contributions from one federal witness and four non-federal witnesses.

Slater underscored the risks posed by air tours to the Navajo people, including intrusion of privacy, potential damage to cultural sites, and environmental...

COYOTE CANYON, N.M. — Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council joined Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren in a historic event as he signed into law amendments to the Navajo Nation Procurement Act Nov. 3.

Legislation No. 0203-23 was unanimously approved by the Council Oct. 16. The resolution amends the Navajo Nation Procurement Act for the first time in 32 years and the Navajo Nation Business Opportunity Act to reduce “red tape” and expedite internal processes to help programs, departments, and Navajo business owners.

At the signing ceremony, legislation sponsor Council Delegate Seth Damon said the amendments will cut red tape and will help to optimize the drawing down of funds...

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced a bipartisan resolution in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s role promoting nuclear security Oct. 26. This resolution reaffirms U.S. interest in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, securing nuclear materials, and ensuring that the IAEA has the resources to successfully carry out its duties. It also upholds IAEA’s position as an indispensable organization for strengthening nuclear security and facilitating access to applications of nuclear technology.

U.S. Representative Bill Foster, D-Ill., has introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of...

ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was joined by state leaders Oct. 13 to announce the creation of the New Mexico Climate Investment Center.

The Climate Investment Center will issue low-interest loans to local projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The governor was joined at the announcement by Majority Leader Peter Wirth, Pro Tem Mimi Stewart and other legislators.

"These investments will make a difference on the ground in communities around the state,” Lujan Grisham said. “Climate action must be inclusive of all New Mexicans, and I am looking forward to seeing communities empowered through the Climate Investment Center. I also want to thank legislative...