Renewable Energy in Indian Country

May 24, 2011

Earlier this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) hosted an Energy Tribal Summit, bringing together more than 350 people to discuss issues and opportunities for developing energy initiatives in Indian Country. Agency leaders such as Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson shared remarks, and Secretary Chu announced his intent to form an Indian Clean Energy and Infrastructure Working Group. The working group will assess and make recommendations on challenges that tribes face in developing clean energy. The department also made a commitment to purchase renewable energy from tribal lands when possible.

As we mentioned in the April NALU, the DOE hosted tribal roundtables around the country in March and April with tribal leaders and representatives. The purpose was to clarify the partnership between the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (DOE) and tribal governments and federal agencies in order to further energy priorities in Indian Country. The participants, which varied from governmental agency officials and representatives from the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs to tribal leaders and representatives from tribal energy programs, identified ways DOE tribal policies and programs can be improved:

-- Increase tribal access and inclusion in energy transmission planning and capacity
-- Provide incentives for tribal governments and the energy industry to develop energy projects within tribal lands
-- Protect tribal sovereignty and environmental, natural and cultural resources
-- Provide affordable energy access in rural tribal communities
-- Develop renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass energy production
-- Access, coordinate and secure a broad range of funding resources for large and small-scale tribal energy projects

There is great potential for Indian Country to be an integral part of the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. Not only does it make sense for the environment, but it is an opportunity to improve life on tribal lands in many ways. By providing a source of revenue, jobs, and improving infrastructure, clean energy initiatives in Indian Country makes sense.