WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.—The Navajo Nation Council today will consider legislation that would establish a green economy fund.

The bill, backed by the Navajo Green Economy Coalition, is expected to create hundreds of sustainable jobs and revitalize the economy on the 27,000-square-mile reservation.

The bill also would establish a five-person Navajo Green Economy Commission to seek dollars from federal, state and private donors, review project proposals and oversee spending from the fund.

The vote is expected to come today during the second full day of the council's quarterly session.

The measure comes as hundreds of municipal, state and federal entities nationwide embrace green alternatives, said Wahleah Johns, who helped organize the Navajo Green Economy Coalition. The coalition comprises several nonprofit organizations and private citizens interested in job growth and green living.

"This could be a very historic moment," Johns said of the expected nod of approval from the council. "A lot of state and national legislation has been developed around green jobs, but this would be a first for the Navajo Nation."

A green economy also can help preserve traditional Navajo practices while paving the way for a healthier economy.

"This will help small-scale green projects revitalize sustainable life," Johns said. "For example, there are a lot of sheep on the reservation, and there are ways to use sheep in a green fashion. We need to make that more marketable."

Hundreds of jobs also are expected to emerge once the commission begins approving green building projects, Johns said. Such projects include weatherization and retrofitting existing buildings.

"A green economy is not a new concept to Navajo," Tony Skrelunas, former director of the Navajo Nation's Division of Economic Development said. "There are many green business opportunities that fit perfectly with our culture."

Today's expected vote marks the second time this legislation has come before the 88-member council. It needs 59 votes to pass.

Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan introduced the bill during the council's spring session in April, but delegates voted to table the measure.

Delegates needed more information, Johns said. Since then, the commission hosted work sessions dedicated to exploring the initiative. The council also instructed the Division of Natural Resources in April to draft an energy policy.

"The science, the technology, the brain power is all here," Enei Begaye, co-director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition, said in a prepared statement. "What is needed is the Navajo Nation's political will to jump start this process.