Tribal Nations

Thirteen Tribal Nations received funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program. This funding will help these communities complete clean energy projects and improve climate resiliency. Tribes with clean energy goals are encouraged to connect with the Office of Energy to find financial and technical assistance opportunities. Learn more on their website. 

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The Biden-Harris Administration and Department of Energy (DOE) created the Tribal Nations and Native Communities Resources Guide to highlight federal funding opportunities for Tribal governments. This guide can help these communities learn about and navigate relevant energy efficiency programs, such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Visit DOE’s website to access the guide. 

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Community-based organizations and Tribal Nations can receive funding through the Clean Energy Access (CEA) Grant Account to help facilitate clean energy programs. CEA Grant Account funding can be used to develop equity initiatives and clean energy access opportunities that complement other California Public Utilities Commission programs. Learn more on the California Grants Portal. 

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With their environmental and cultural values front of mind, Tribal Nations are working with the federal government to overcome barriers that prevent progress towards independent energy development. A recent provision in the Inflation Reduction Act allows Tribes to take advantage of federal tax credits for energy projects for the first time. Read the article by Resources to learn how Tribes are moving forward. 

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President Biden’s climate change law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), set aside $720 million in funding for tribal governments to improve energy efficiency and develop more resilient energy strategies. This funding, alongside other resources provided by IRA programs, strengthens tribal governments and helps reduce the widespread energy poverty present in their communities. Head to Legal Planet to get additional information on IRA provisions. 

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To reduce the barriers tribes face implementing renewable energy projects, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy was formed to recruit solar construction firms that undergo traditional cultural preservation training. With a total of $20 billion in federal loans available to tribes taking on energy projects, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy’s work will help tribes accelerate solar deployment. Read the full article from pv magazine to learn more.

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Rules proposed by the IRS will allow federally recognized American Indian tribes to access the new clean energy tax credits enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act. Tribes will be able to secure financing and reduce costs for the deployment of renewable energy and other clean energy projects on their lands. Read the article from Bloomberg Law to get more details. 

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A California Energy Commission resolution commits the agency to supporting tribal governments throughout the state in modernizing critical infrastructure and achieving energy sovereignty. The agency, along with the California Public Utilities Commission, will work with tribes to secure Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) funding from the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Read the details of California Energy Commission’s commitment to action. 

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New funding is available to tribal nations pursuing energy conservation solutions from the Department of Energy (DOE). In an effort to support a more equitable future for tribal nations, DOE has reserved $50 million to fund projects that lower energy costs and strengthen energy security and resiliency. Visit the Energy Funding Opportunity Exchange to learn more about this announcement. 

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Investing in new technology has helped the Blue Lake Rancheria tribe become more energy independent. The tribe’s leaders worked with outside partners and received financial aid to afford these improvements. As a result of these investment, the community is better prepared for long-term success. Resources, like Inflation Reduction Act funding opportunities, are available to help tribes with energy-saving projects. Read the full details on the Blue Lake Rancheria tribe’s path to resilience.

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