Resolution No. CEM 25-005

RESOLUTION OF THE NAVAJO NATION
COMMISSION ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

DECLARATION OF DROUGHT EMERGENCY – NAVAJO NATION, 2025

WHEREAS:

1. The Navajo Nation Council established the Commission on Emergency Management, 2 N.N.C. §881. The Commission is authorized to assess, verify, recommend, and declare states of emergency with the concurrence of the Navajo Nation President, 2 N.N.C. §884 (B)(1); and
2. The Commission in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Management is empowered to coordinate emergency and disaster relief services by Navajo Nation and non-tribal entities and to recommend and deploy appropriate resources regarding natural and man-made emergencies, 2 N.N.C. §883 (A) and (C); and
3. The Commission on Emergency Management may seek assistance from federal, state, and other tribal governments, and local and private agencies to address emergency and disaster related situations, 2 N.N.C. §884 (B)(2); and
4. The Navajo Nation continues to experience extreme and persistent drought conditions, resulting in declining precipitation, diminished water resources, deteriorated rangelands, and adverse socio-economic impacts across the Navajo homeland; and
5. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated the following counties encompassing the Navajo Nation as primary disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions:
   • Arizona: Apache, Navajo, Coconino
   • New Mexico: McKinley, San Juan, Cibola
   • Utah: San Juan
6. On May 22, 2025, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued Executive Order 2025-210 declaring a state of emergency due to severe drought conditions and heightened wildfire risks across the state. The order activated the New Mexico Drought Task Force to coordinate drought mitigation, wildfire response, and water conservation across multiple agencies; and
7. Precipitation levels recorded during the months of May, June, July, and August across the Navajo Nation are below seasonal averages, with cumulative precipitation deficits contributing to reduced surface runoff, poor soil moisture, and stressed vegetation—conditions identified in past SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index) assessments and reaffirmed by NOAA’s Drought Outlook; and
8. The Navajo Nation Drought Contingency Plan identifies siltation of water sources, windmill degradation, and the diminishing capacity of over 7,500 stock ponds and 900 windmills as critical issues requiring immediate mitigation; and
9. Livestock owners are urged to reduce their herd sizes to align with decreased forage and water availability, in accordance with prior emergency advisories, and to protect the long-term sustainability of grazing areas. Grazing Officials are directed to conduct updated tally counts and initiate regional drought preparedness planning; and
10. Farmers are advised to plant drought-tolerant crops and refrain from using high-water-demand plants, as irrigation usage should be limited or reduced due to lowering lake and reservoir levels; and
11. The Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources is requested to assist with the procurement and implementation of drought relief infrastructure, including:
    • Windmill Repairs
    • Water Storage Units
    • Distribution of Water Supplies to Impacted Communities

    A total of $6,553,730 is hereby requested from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to address these urgent infrastructure needs; and

12. Navajo Nation Chapters are authorized to access Chapter Emergency Funding for drought contingency efforts including water hauling, storage, and mitigation activities, pursuant to emergency coordination protocols under 2 N.N.C. §§ 881–884; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management with the concurrence of the President of the Navajo Nation, hereby declares a State of Emergency due to the ongoing and intensifying drought across the Navajo Nation.
2. All Navajo Nation divisions, departments, programs, and chapters are directed to initiate emergency response coordination, allocate resources, and implement drought mitigation plans in collaboration with federal, state, and tribal partners.
3. This declaration shall remain in effect until rescinded or superseded by future action of the Commission on Emergency Management and the Office of the President and Vice President.

CERTIFICATION

We hereby certify that the foregoing declaration was duly considered by the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management in a duly called meeting at Window Rock, Navajo Nation (Arizona), at which a quorum was present and that same passed by a vote of 6 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstained, this 30th day of May 2025.

Marcarlo Roanhorse, Chairperson
Commission on Emergency Management

Motion: Dariel Yazzie
Second: Mihio Manus

CONCURRENCE:

Dr. Buu Nygren, President
The Navajo Nation