What are some strategies to get preexisting on-reservation tribal agencies and enterprises to take advantage of renewable energy development?
Ken Ahmann - Colusa Indian Energy says:
Education and outreach are key. Many Tribes are unaware of the advantages of establishing Section 17 charters, registering 8A businesses, or creating Tribal Utility Authorities to start with. Each Tribe is unique. Meeting Tribes where they are with regards to economic development in general and then tailoring a roadmap towards Tribal energy sovereignty and/or renewable energy development around that is really what it takes.
EECBG Program provides $8.8 million to 774 eligible Tribes, including Alaska Native Regional and Village and can be used to upgrade buildings, install renewable energy equipment, or develop climate and clean energy plans.
The BIA’s Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience program will support federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations as they address current and future climate change impacts on Tribal Treaty and Trust resources, economies, regenerative agriculture, food sovereignty, conservation practices, infrastructure, and human health and safety. All 2024 award applications must be submitted online by October 18, 2024.
The Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program (48e) promotes cost-saving solar or wind investments in low-income communities, on Native American/tribal land, as part of affordable housing developments, and benefiting low-income households. Under this program, there are opportunities that can help fund 50% of solar project costs at Federally-assisted residential properties.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) has multiple clean energy tax credits available to Tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, businesses; tax-exempt organizations; state, local, and governments; other entities; and individuals.
The Office of Indian Energy provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to develop and deploy clean energy infrastructure and technology, and this table lists current clean energy funding and related opportunities for Indian Tribes and Tribal entities from the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies and entities.
There are significant current opportunities for tribes to leverage federal funds to finance energy and decarbonization projects since “recent laws such as the America Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) include allocations specifically for Tribal and Native communities.” In an effort to support self-determination, these funds are critical for tribes to “prosper and flourish on their own terms.”
Historical investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform energy communities and create boundless opportunities for communities to redevelop and revitalize.
This guide for communities looking to plan or build clean energy projects provides an overview of many federal programs that offer funding or advice to support these types of projects.