Energy Department to Fund 19 Indian Tribes to Take the First Steps Toward Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Tribal Lands
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs announced funding today for 19 Indian tribes to take the first steps toward developing and sustaining renewable energy and energy efficiency on tribal lands.
Through these grants, the Office of Indian Energy will continue its efforts to maximize the development and deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives and help build the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement those energy solutions. Under these awards, these Native American communities will conduct energy options analyses; establish baseline energy use and efficiency options; develop energy organizations; conduct resiliency planning; establish policy, regulations, and codes; and obtain skills and training to promote energy efficiency and development. These selections for award are the result of a competitive funding opportunity announced August 17, 2016.
“Within every challenge can be found the seeds of opportunity, and I believe tribes are well positioned to cultivate these seeds through visionary leadership and strategic energy planning,” said William Bradford, Director of the Office of Indian Energy. “Our hope is that by funding these initial steps, the foundation will be laid for these Indian tribes to find energy solutions that work for their communities.”
The Office of Indian Energy promotes tribal energy development and fosters economic growth and employment on tribal lands by providing tribal communities with the technical knowledge, skills, and resources needed to harness their indigenous energy resources, reduce their energy costs, create jobs, build resilience, and implement successful strategic energy solutions. Since 2002, DOE has invested more than $66.5 million in 217 tribal energy projects valued at more than $126 million, provided technical assistance to Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages for the evaluation and development of their energy resources, and provided education and training to help build the human capacity essential for successful and sustainable energy projects.
