Cherokee Nation continues
to lead northeast Oklahoma, as well as Indian Country, in embracing green
energy solutions. Recently, we dedicated a new solar power canopy at the
Cherokee Nation’s W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah. It will harness the
power of the sun to charge electric vehicles and provide additional power to
our complex. Cherokee Nation is the first tribal government in Oklahoma to
build and utilize a solar canopy like this. We have always been good stewards
of the land, and this is another example of exceptional natural resource
conservation.
Embracing solar panels and
adding electric vehicles to our fleet are consistent with Cherokee Nation’s
leadership in clean-energy usage and carbon-footprint reduction. We have made
an investment in clean and renewable energy a priority. We have embraced ideas
that look to the future and how we can be better stewards for our children and
for the earth.
These ideas are really
just a continued extension of the long tradition that Cherokees have always
held. Our commitment to clean energy is rooted in our history, as well as in
our values. We look at what our ancestors thought, did and believe, and we try
to follow in their footsteps. There is no doubt that our ancestors were among
the first conservationists, and we must commit ourselves as they did to
protecting the earth. It gives us life, and anytime we can help harness that to
make the lives of Cherokees better, we are doing what we're supposed to be
doing.
The solar panels cover an
awning that can charge eight electric vehicles. The structure’s design also
enhances the beautification efforts we have made at the tribal complex. The
solar panels can generate 58,000 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough to
power three homes for a year. In addition to the charging station, which can
charge up to eight cars at a time, Cherokee Nation has incorporated two
electric vehicles to its fleet for employee usage. In recent years, we have
transitioned many of our fleet buses to CNG vehicles, which are more efficient
and cost effective in the long term. By using both electric and CNG vehicles,
we are reducing our carbon footprint, stretching our dollars and leading by
example.
Preservation of natural
resources has been a major theme of our recent accomplishments in the past
year. In addition to consciously reducing our carbon footprint within the
Cherokee Nation, we continue to lead the fight against the burial of corporate
toxic waste within our jurisdiction, have pledged to reduce usage of
Styrofoam-like products in our daily operations, and undertaken a business
initiative to develop a wind energy farm on Cherokee Nation trust land in Kay
County.
Green
energy – CNG, wind and solar – is creating jobs and a cleaner, better future
for Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation has fully embraced these efforts, and we will
remain on the cusp of positive change going forward. It is the right thing to
do for the next seven generations.