Coal Heat Puts Navajos at Risk, but Many Families See Few Options

"SHIPROCK — Rowena Sells had a choice.

Sells, of Shiprock, had to choose between propane and coal to heat her home, a decision encountered by many residents of the 27,000-square-mile reservation and surrounding areas.

It's not an easy choice, Sells said.

Propane costs about $3,000 to keep the home she shares with her husband, Carson, warm through the winter. Coal, though cheaper, comes with crushing risks."

Alysa Landry reports for the Farmington Daily Times (NM) October 30, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"PGE Offers To Close Coal Plant Earlier" (Portland Oregonian)

"Coal's Comeback" (Washington Post)