U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm recently paid a visit to the Navajo Nation in Arizona and the Las Vegas Valley in Nevada to address the future of renewable energy in the U.S., according to an April 14 report by Native News.
During her trip to Kayeta, Ariz., she met with Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. Their discussion focused on the latest $1.2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for the construction of a solar microgrid and battery storage system to provide clean electricity to 24 tribal residences, Native News reported.
“Today’s visit from Secretary Granholm further demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to the Navajo Nation and our people,” Nez said, according to Lake Powell Life. “The future of renewable energy on the Navajo Nation is very bright.”
The project is projected to cost $2.8 million in total, with extra funds to be provided by the Navajo Nation, Lake Powell Life reported.
“Through the hard work of the Kayenta community, 24 Navajo families will have clean electricity in their homes for the very first time," Nez stated, according to Native News. "This is a remarkable achievement thanks to the collaboration of the Navajo Nation and the Biden-Harris Administration. This very productive dialogue also included perspectives and input from the grassroots level."
During her visit to Nevada, Granholm also visited several facilities that we're converting to more energy-efficient operations, including the Nevada National Security Site, according to an 8 News Now report.
“I am impressed by your ingenuity and purposeful transition to sustainable energy sources and, with your space and abundant sunshine, I look to you to think ambitiously about renewable energy,” Granholm stated, according to 8 News Now. “The NNSS is poised to become a shining example of sustainability.”
8 News Now reported Granholm's recent visits are part of the Biden administration's campaign for the U.S. to transition to renewable energy.
