DOE to Provide up to $2 Million for Tribal Renewable Energy Projects

September 14, 2007

DOE announced on September 14th that it will make up to $2 million available to 15 Native American tribes and Alaskan villages. The selected tribes and villages will negotiate for the awards to support advancing renewable energy technologies on tribal lands and rural Alaskan villages. Six of those selected will study the feasibility of using renewable energy technologies on tribal lands, while nine will take first steps in implementing such technologies. DOE's Tribal Energy Program will also provide technical assistance for the projects. The projects will take place in Alaska, California, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Most of the selected tribes and villages will have some cost share in their projects.

In further demonstration of its commitment to supporting tribal efforts, DOE has created the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, headed by the newly appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Steven J. Morello. See the DOE press release and the Tribal Energy Program Web site.