This story is published as part of the Global Indigenous Affairs Desk, an Indigenous-led collaboration between Grist, High Country News, ICT, Mongabay, Native News Online, and APTN.
A $10 billion wind-transmission project known as SunZia has been given the green light to proceed through traditional tribal lands in southwestern Arizona after a United States federal judge dismissed Indigenous nations’ request to halt it. Amy Juan, a member of the Tohono O’odham nation, expressed disappointment at the ruling, citing lack of due process in the approval of the project.
At the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Juan highlighted the ongoing concerns of Indigenous communities regarding green energy projects. Despite the potential benefits of the SunZia project, Indigenous peoples feel their voices are often unheard in the decision-making process.
Pattern Energy, the company behind SunZia, lauds the project as a significant leap towards clean energy infrastructure in the United States, aiming to provide power to millions of Americans. However, Indigenous tribes, including the Tohono O’odham, Hopi, Zuni, and San Carlos Apache, fear irreversible ecological and cultural damage from the 550-mile transmission line.
While the Biden administration sees SunZia as a key component of its green energy transition, the tribes argue that alternative routes should be considered to protect the sensitive landscape. Legal battles have ensued, with the federal court recently ruling against the tribes due to the timing of their challenge.
The lack of “free, prior, and informed consent” in projects like SunZia underscores the broader issue of Indigenous rights in green energy development. Andrea Carmen of the International Indian Treaty Council advocates for a moratorium on such projects until Indigenous concerns are properly addressed.
