Greg Gutfeld weighs in on Vice President Kamala Harris’ response to Charlamagne tha God’s question on reparations during an episode of The Five.
Vice President Kamala Harris, during her tenure as California’s attorney general, chose not to intervene in support of local Native American tribes’ efforts to preserve a sacred burial site from being converted into a wind farm. Critics denounced this project as a wasteful green energy endeavor.
Tribal leaders during that period strongly criticized the Ocotillo wind project, referring to it as “complete devastation,” “built on the sacred burial grounds of our ancestors,” and a “betrayal of trust.”
Local Native Americans have raised concerns about the construction of the wind facility in an area referred to as the “Valley of the Dead.” They assert that this land holds significant cultural and historical value as a burial site for their ancestors for over 10,000 years.
While a few tribes have expressed support for the wind farm, the NAHC unanimously voted 4-0 to request Attorney General Harris to examine potential legal avenues.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also a Democratic presidential candidate, recently appeared for an interview on the popular and edgy “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
“I strongly believe that we should dismantle it and return the land to the tribes. It would be great if the Attorney General could empower this commission further so that we can confidently state, ‘Tear that wall down’,” expressed NAHC Commissioner Marshall McKay during that period.
Then-AG Harris did not intervene to support the activists through legal action. Instead, Harris’ office concluded that the Native American Heritage Commission lacks the authority to file a lawsuit against a federal agency for a project located on federal land.
Additionally, the Attorney General is no longer able to represent the Native American Heritage Commission on the Ocotillo Project as there is a conflict of interest.
According to a report from East County Magazine, the industrial wind facility developed by Pattern Energy was constructed on a site called the ‘Valley of the Dead’, which has been historically significant to Native American tribes for more than 10,000 years.
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians voiced their objection to the desecration of ancestral remains and successfully convinced the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to intervene on their behalf. However, their efforts were hindered by California Attorney General Kamala Harris.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, addressed the press prior to boarding Air Force Two. She was in North Carolina to evaluate the recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. This event took place on October 5, 2024.
The Ocotillo wind farm facility has faced numerous challenges, including concerns about safety and frequent shutdowns. Among the safety issues reported were incidents of equipment spraying oil on the sacred site, turbines catching fire, and a tower experiencing a catastrophic blade loss.
In 2021, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) took temporary action to shut down the plant after a second tower collapse occurred within a span of five years.
Questions have also arisen about whether the wind farm facility has actually fulfilled its promised green energy benefits. It has fallen short of its capacity forecast for three consecutive years, leading experts to question if the necessity of the plant was merely a marketing ploy.
“It was truly devastating to witness the destruction of a landscape that holds immense historical and cultural importance. What’s even more disheartening is the realization that this project was constructed based on deceitful assertions made by the developer, with the support of the BLM,” expressed Anthony Pico, Chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, as reported by East County Magazine.
Pico expressed his deep sadness as he addressed the commissioners during the heated exchange, questioning whether economics takes precedence over justice in our country.
He emphasized his disbelief and the collective confusion shared by many regarding how federal and state institutions, entrusted with the fiduciary responsibility to Native Americans, allowed the complete devastation of the Ocotillo Valley, a cultural treasure of immense value to our nation.
According to a spokesperson from Pattern Energy, the Ocotillo Wind facility has been in operation for 12 years. It was designated as a critical resource by the U.S. government to safeguard the country’s energy security.
This clean energy facility has not only brought 370 jobs to Imperial County but also provides enough clean electricity to power 300,000 Americans annually, all without emitting any pollutants or consuming water.
The Ocotillo Wind facility takes pride in using wind turbines made in America. These turbines have generated over $20 million in sales tax revenue for both Imperial County and the state of California. Looking ahead, the facility is expected to generate more than $100 million for local taxing jurisdictions over the next 20 years.
As a result, Imperial County, Imperial Valley College, and the Imperial Unified School District will be among the significant beneficiaries of this revenue.
The Ocotillo facility was strategically chosen to minimize any negative impact on cultural resources while fulfilling America’s energy requirements. Throughout the development process, the company dedicated three years to meticulous planning, actively engaging with the community and carefully considering their feedback.
This collaborative approach led to several project revisions, ultimately resulting in a final design that gained the support of numerous local residents, officials, and Native American Tribes.