Weekly Edition | Febuary 3, 2012 | By: NPStaff alex.c@thenavajopost.com 

President Shelly and Lawrence Livermore National Lab official sign the MOU early Wednesday moring. Photograph by OPVP

Early Wednesday morning, In Window Rock at the Navajo Nation Musuem, Navajo President Ben Shelly and officials from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future development of Navajo energy. The agreement was described as a ‘non-binding MOU’

Lawrence Livermore National Lab specializes in Nuclear Security, International and Domestic Security, Energy and Environmental Security. 60 people attended the signing event.

“Our mission is to ensure the safety and security of the nation through applied science and technology in three key areas” states Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

“With the labs help, we will have a better picture of what technologies are best for our resources,” President Shelly said.

The National lab will help the Navajo Nation complete a comprehensive energy assessment of the Nation’s resources.  According to The Navajo Officials, it has large deposits of coal and had a large land mass suitable for renewable energy development.

The Shelly-Jim administration is currently developing a Navajo Nation Energy Policy, which is expected to be presented to the Navajo Nation Council in April.

“We hope to be strong partners with that energy assessment,” said Ronald Cochran, executive officer for the lab.

The  MOU is a five page report that states 20 different energy topics the pair may discuss to “pursue opportunities and collaborate” from clean coal technologies, renewable energy to power plant design.

“It is my sincere hope that this partnership will grow and strengthen from day to day and eventually we may inspire to provide a blueprint for many others to follow,” adding “These students make me proud and make me want to do my best to continue pushing initiatives in infrastructure, development, education, and job creation,” said President Shelly. 23 students from Saint Michael Indian School and Tseehotsooi Middle School also attended the event.

Steve Grey, program manager at Labatory praised the students to continue with their education. “Look at all of you young people, do you know that a lot of these educated people,” it was reported that Mr. Grey said that while pointing to the delegation of Navajo leaders sitting on stage,  “We came from the rez.”

President Shelly plans on taking the issue up with the Federal Government “I understand, I can’t do this alone, but I need you and everyone here to think growth and success starts with commitment and dedication,” President Shelly said. adding “When I go to Washington, I am going to hand carry this MOU and deliver it to Sen. Bingaman,” President Shelly said.