A federal judge has blocked the expansion of a mine on the Navajo Nation.

Judge John L. Kane said the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement failed to consider the impact of the mine on cultural and historic resources. He ordered a new environmental assessment and more public notice, both in Navajo and English.

The decision affects the Navajo Mine, operated by BHP Billiton on the New Mexico portion of the reservation. The mine supplies coal to the Four Corners Power Plant, which ranks number one on the list of largest polluters in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The lawsuit was filed by Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment and San Juan Citizens Alliance.

Get the Story:
Green: Judge Suspends Navajo Mining Permit (The New York Times 11/1)
Judge Voids Coal Mine Expansion Permit on Navajo Tribal Land (ENS 11/1)
Court voids permit decision for Navajo mine (AP 11/1)

Related Stories:
Coal-fired power plants on Navajo Nation rank as top polluters (10/26)