TUBA CITY, Ariz. (AP) — Federal regulators have accepted a Phoenix-based company's application for a preliminary permit to construct hydro-powered dams on tribal land.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission confirmed the acceptance in a letter Tuesday to Pumped Hydro Storage LLC, opening the door for public comment on the controversial proposal in Navajo country.
Approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would allow the company three years to study the site in Big Canyon west of Tuba City but doesn't authorize land disturbance.
The company developed the idea after getting pushback for initially floating the project on the Little Colorado River.
The project also needs the blessing of the Navajo Nation.
