He said Sadie Hoskie was selected to serve as trustee for the Nation. Hoskie was the first executive director of Navajo EPA. Most recently, she has served at the U.S. EPA Region 8 in Denver.
“She brings a unique combination of upper level administrative experience, technical environmental knowledge and a command of Navajo culture to this program,” Tsosie said.
A panel from the Navajo Nation made the selection of Hoskie. The panel consisted of representatives from the Office of the President and Vice President, Navajo EPA and the Dine’ Medicine Men’s Association.
Navajo DOJ demonstrated there were well qualified Navajos to fill these important positions, Tsosie said, adding that their goal of showcasing competency was achieved. He said the Navajo Nation was optimistic about receiving a comprehensive settlement to restore tribal lands and the environment back into harmony
“I WELCOME THIS PRELIMINARY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT THAT WILL ADDRESS 16 ABANDONED URANIUM MINE SITES. WE HAVE ALWAYS SAID THE U.S. IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CLEANUP OF URANIUM LEGACY SITES,” PRESIDENT SHELLY SAID,
The 16 sites are orphaned mines because the companies that operated the sites are no longer in existence.
Stephen Etsitty, executive director of Navajo EPA, said there are hundreds more that must be addressed.
“Sixteen abandoned uranium mines is a small number of the entire 521 sites on the current inventory,” Etsitty said. “However these 16 sites are high priority mines the Navajo Nation needs cleaned.
“They do not have a responsible party or viable company to provide the cleanup,” he added.
The Navajo Nation will continue to work with U.S. DOJ and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide cleanup of all abandoned uranium mines left on tribal lands.
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