Lori Goodman is a Native American environmentalist from Dilkon, Arizona. Goodman was one the founding members of Diné CARE (Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment) that was founded in 1989[1] and is currently retired as an executive director.[2]
Environmental Activism
editLori Goodman first started her career on the Navajo Nation in efforts against the a proposal from Waste-Tech Services, that called for a $40 million recycling plant on the Navajo reservation near the Dilkon community. It promised the community "$200,000 a year, with an additional $600,000 a year to be paid...in rent and lease funds." However, it was later found out that the "recycling plant" was instead planned to be a toxic waste incinerator.[3] It was in 1989, that when Goodman was still a stay-at-home mom that she received a phone call form her sister learning of the proposal and later her family friends became involved, including her brother Al.[2] CARE was what Diné CARE was first called before becoming officially Diné CARE. It was also during this time that the spark for the future Indigenous Environmental Network would later become to be, from the kitchen of Lori Goodman's home.[3]
After the victory of Dilkon community against Waste-Tech's proposal, Goodman then became an important role for Diné CARE. Acting as an administrator, spokeswoman, treasurer, secretary, and executive director.[2][4] However, during her early days of a Native environmentalist she taught her family and community how to rid of toxic substances from their households. She also educated the locals about proposals, gathered statements, contacted government agencies, acting as a liaison with tribal legality, and using her own funds to support Diné CARE. To even accommodating her own home as an office for Diné CARE.[2]
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Between 2003 and 2011, Goodman partook in actions against the proposal and building of the Desert Rock Power Plant under Diné CARE. Goodman acted as a spokeswoman and participated in protests against the proposal. Ultimately in 2009, the Final Air Quality Permit was revoked for the Desert Rock Power Plant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. [5][6]
During 2013, on the Navajo Nation the decision by the Navajo Transitional Energy Company to purchase Navajo Mine for continuation of coal mining till 2031. Lori Goodman spoke out against the mining and was concerned about environmental impacts the mine site and neighboring Four Corners Power Plant could have. However, despite Goodman and Dine CARE's efforts the Navajo Mine was pushed for operation. [7][8]
References
edit- ^ Brook, Daniel (1998). "Environmental Genocide: Native Americans and Toxic Waste". The American Journal of Economics and Sociology. 57 (1): 105–113.
- ^ a b c d Sherry, John William (2002). Land, Wind, and Hard Words: A Story of Navajo Activism. University of New Mexico Press.
- ^ a b Cole, L. W; Foster, S. R (2001). From the Ground Up: Environmental Racism and the Rise of the Environmental Justice Movement. Vol. 34. New York University Press. pp. 134–150.
- ^ "THE NATION; White House Seeks to Reduce Aid for Nuclear Weapon Workers; Health; More Study is ordered in a program for uranium victims. Some allege stalling tactics." Los Angeles Times. August 29, 2001.
- ^ Needham, Andrew (2014). Power Lines: Phoenix and the Making of the Modern Southwest (Core Textbook ed.). Princeton University Press.
- ^ Lee, Lloyd L. "CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Indigenous Knowledge in Transition: The Fundamental Laws of Diné in an Era of Change and Modernity". Counterpoints. 379: 212–224.
- ^ Bitsoi, Alastair Lee (November 7, 2013). "Final agreements signed on mine purchase". Navajo Times.
- ^ Bitsoi, Alastair Lee (October 18, 2013). "Council passes $4.1 million to acquire Navajo Mine". Navajo Times.