Archived News
News and Events
News and events of interest to Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse (TEEIC) users.
June 13, 2013
Tribal Renewable Energy Development Curriculum and Workshops
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (DOE-IE) has announced renewable energy development education and training curriculum for tribal leaders, tribal executives, and tribal staff. The DOE-IE Renewable Energy Curriculum is available through the National Training and Education Resource (NTER) online learning platform, and more in-depth training is being provided through the following workshops:
- Commercial-Scale Renewable Energy Project Development and Finance Workshop
Dates and location: July 9 to 11, 2013, in Denver, Colorado.
Overview: Using course materials and case studies, technical experts from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will go over the steps necessary to develop and finance commercial-scale renewable energy projects on tribal lands, including how to assess project potential, determine technology options, refine the project, implement financing and construction, and plan for project operation and maintenance. For more information, visit the workshop page on DOE-IE's website.- Community/Facility-Scale Development Workshop
Dates and location: September 16 to 20, 2013, in Denver, Colorado.
Overview: This workshop will provide information on developing community- and facility-scale renewable energy on tribal lands and will explain the steps necessary to take a project from idea to reality. The workshop will include real-life examples of tribal community- and facility-scale projects.There is no cost to attend the workshops, but participants will be responsible for their own lodging and travel costs. To RSVP for this training, email kara.thate@nrel.gov
In preparation for the workshops, attendees are asked to watch the "Foundational Topics" of the DOE-IE Renewable Energy Curriculum.
June 12, 2013
Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands Webinar on June 26
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. The next webinar in the series is listed below. Click the webinar title for more information and to register. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.
- Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
Date/Time: June 26, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT.
Overview: The HEARTH Act of 2012 provides the opportunity for tribes to eliminate delays, costs, federal environmental reviews, federal administrative and judicial litigation, and risks associated with Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) review and approval of tribal leases of tribal land. This webinar will explain how to achieve BIA approval to adopt tribal leasing regulations.A full list of webinars in the 2013 Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series is available on the Webinars page of the Tribal Energy Program website. For archives of past webinars in the series, see the Webcast Presentations page of Western's website.
June 7, 2013
Upcoming Conferences in June for Tribes
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) are organizing conferences in June that include sessions relating to tribal energy development, tribal economic development, and a variety of other topics. Click the title of each conference below to view the main conference webpage.
- Reservation Economic Summit (RES) California
Dates and location: June 17-19, 2013, in Temecula, California
Topics covered include: the IRS Investment Tax Credit, solar energy in California, tribal utility formation and financing, New Market Tax Credits, online gaming, and federal and state taxation. View agenda.- 2013 NCAI Mid Year Conference
Dates and location: June 24-27, 2013, in Reno, Nevada
Topics covered include: tribal natural resources, a process for tribal energy self-sufficiency, and data security.
June 4, 2013
EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications for funding under EDA's Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. Grants made under these programs will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America's ability to compete in the global marketplace.
The application deadline varies by funding cycle, and the next deadline is June 13, 2013. Eligible entities include: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education.
For more information, see the FY 2013 Economic Development Assistance Programs grant opportunity synopsis.
May 16, 2013
Conference on Strengthening Tribal Communities (June 4-6)
The Seminole Tribe of Florida's Native Learning Center is organizing the "5th Annual Summer Conference: Strengthening Tribal Communities into the Future." The conference will be held in Hollywood, Florida, from June 4-6, 2013. Each conference session touches on key components that could help tribes accomplish more significant goals. Topics to be covered include: financing renewable energy, grant management, job opportunities in the renewable sector, and federal – tribal relationships.
For more information and to register, visit the 5th Annual Summer Conference Web site. Registration is free to Native Americans and those working within Indian Country.
May 14, 2013
Regional Transmission Planning Webinar on May 29
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. The next webinar in the series is listed below. Click the webinar title for more information and to register. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.
- Regional Transmission Planning
Date/Time: May 29, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT.
Overview: As part of a process to develop interconnection-based transmission plans for the Eastern and Western Interconnections and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the eight U.S. regional reliability organizations are expanding existing regional transmission planning activities and broadening stakeholder involvement. This webinar will provide information about the status of the organizations' plans and evaluations of long-term regional transmission needs.A full list of webinars in the 2013 Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series is available on the Webinars page of the Tribal Energy Program website. For archives of past webinars in the series, see the Webcast Presentations page of Western's website.
May 9, 2013
Upcoming Conferences Related to Tribal Energy Development and Economic Development
There are upcoming conferences and a workshop in May that cover topics relating to tribal energy development, tribal economic development, and wind/solar interconnection. Click the event title for more information about each one.
- Sixth Annual Energy Projects in Indian Country Conference
Dates and location: May 20-21, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Topics covered include: New developments in oil and gas, solar, wind and biomass; planning, developing and financing of new energy projects; and case studies and success stories related to energy development. This conference will be held concurrently with the National Native American Economic Development Conference below.- 7th Annual National Native American Economic Development Conference
Dates and location: May 20-21, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Topics covered include: Economic diversification success stories, managing and balancing debt, risk management, legal updates, and financing for both gaming and non-gaming projects.- 2013 Distributed Wind/Solar Interconnection Workshop
Dates and location: May 21-22, 2013, in Golden, Colorado
This workshop will provide information relating to interconnecting wind and solar plants and other distributed generation applications to electric distribution systems and integrating large-scale renewable generation into the transmission system.
May 8, 2013
Funding Opportunities for Tribal Clean Energy Projects
On May 1, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the availability of funding to deploy clean energy projects in tribal communities. DOE's Tribal Energy Program, in cooperation with the Office of Indian Energy, will help Native American communities, tribal energy resource development organizations, and tribal consortia install community or facility-scale clean energy projects. The following two opportunities are available:
- Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country
Application deadline: June 27, 2013
Provides funding for the installation of clean energy systems on tribal lands to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling for local use in tribal buildings.- Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance
Application deadline: June 20, 2013
Provides funding for renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects on tribal lands. Projects must be intended to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling or efficiency measures for existing tribal buildings.For more information, see the DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy announcement: Energy Department Announces $7 Million to Promote Clean Energy in Tribal Communities.
May 2, 2013
Website to Help Local Governments Advance Solar Energy Initiatives
The Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs) launched a Web site in February to help local governments adopt solar energy. The site includes a database of resources related to solar energy development, a calendar of events and trainings, a blog providing solar energy-related news, and access to "Ask an Expert" and other technical assistance services. SolarOPs is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.
Visit the Solar Outreach Partnership Web site.
April 26, 2013
Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities (May 30-31)
The U.S. Department of Energy is holding the Second Annual Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities from May 30-31, 2013, in Washington, DC. The Summit provides an opportunity to engage with state, local, and other decision-makers on effective actions and policies to build a clean energy economy in states and local communities. Participants will learn innovative strategies, policies, and models for adopting and implementing clean energy solutions in their communities that save money, create jobs, increase energy security and protect the environment.
For more information and to register, see the Second Annual Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities website.
April 24, 2013
IRS Ruling Allows Tribes to Own Renewable Energy Projects
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently made a ruling that a tribe may pass investment credits associated with renewable energy assets to an unrelated third party lessee. This ruling allows an Indian tribal government to be an owner or lessee of renewable energy projects.
For more information, see the IRS ruling and a Chadbourne & Parke LLP article explaining the ruling.
April 17, 2013
Developing Tribal Energy Resources & Economies Conference (June 10-12)
The Developing Tribal Energy Resources & Economies Conference will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from June 10-12, 2013. The conference will highlight the process of strategic energy planning and development for tribes interested in improving their energy security, sovereignty and economies. The conference will explain how tribes have developed successful energy projects, explore new energy technologies and the impacts of fracking, provide the latest information on the right-of-way market, and more.
For more information about the conference, including speakers, the agenda, and lodging and registration information, see the Developing Tribal Energy Resources & Economies Conference Web site. A reduced registration rate for the conference ends on May 1, 2013.
April 11, 2013
Alaska Rural Energy Conference: April 29 to May 1
The 2013 Alaska Rural Energy Conference will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, from April 29 to May 1, 2013. The conference offers a variety of technical sessions covering new and ongoing energy projects in Alaska, as well as new technologies and needs for Alaska's remote communities. The conference includes sessions under four different tracks, which are "Energy: The Big Picture", "The Diesel Powerhouse", "Renewable Energy Options", and "Energy Efficiency and Other Topics."
For more information and to register, visit the Alaska Rural Energy Conference Web site.
April 10, 2013
Power Marketing Administrations Webinar on April 24
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. The next webinar in the series is listed below. Click the webinar title for more information and to register. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.
- How Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) Market Power and Work with Tribes
Date/Time: April 24, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT.
Overview: This webinar will provide information on PMA assets and operations, examples of past cooperation with Tribes, and how to work with PMAs to promote future economic growth and renewable energy development on tribal lands.A list of the webinars currently planned for the series in 2013 is available on the Webinars page of the Tribal Energy Program website. For archives of past Tribal Energy Program webinars, see the Webcast Presentations page of Western's website.
March 18, 2013
Upcoming Webinars Related to Tribal Energy Development
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program, the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Technical Assistance Program (TAP), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are sponsoring webinars related to tribal energy development. There is no charge to participate in the webinars, but advance registration is required. Click the webinar titles for more information and to register.
- Commercial PACE – Updates from the Field and New Resources for Program Design and Implementation
Date/Time: March 19, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. MDT.
Overview: The property-assessed clean energy (PACE) model is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on private property. Over the last several years, PACE programs for commercial buildings have been launched across the U.S. and many local and state governments are considering pursuing this model. This webinar will provide an update on commercial PACE trends and introduce the new DOE resources.- The Solar Roadmap: Navigating the Evolving Solar Energy Market
Date/Time: March 20, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. MDT.
Overview: This webinar will review success stories and opportunities for local and state governments to make significant progress toward their renewable energy goals using the Solar Roadmap platform.- Guidelines for Developing, Staffing, and Overseeing a State ESPC Program
Date/Time: March 26, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. MDT.
Overview: This webinar will present an overview of new DOE guidelines to provide strategies, tools and resources for state energy offices, state building administrations, and others to develop or expand an energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) program. The webinar will also feature state peers that have already successfully taken this approach to ESPC.- Understanding the Grid
Date/Time: March 27, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT.
Overview: This webinar will explain how and why the electricity grid works.
Additional information: This webinar is part of the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. Archives of past webinars are available on the Webcast Presentations page of Western's website.- TAP Peer Exchange Call: Local Trends in Clean Energy Finance
Date/Time: March 27, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MDT.
Overview: The peer exchange call will explore the range of ways that communities are engaging in clean energy finance. This will include a discussion of the most current approaches governments are taking to pay for their own energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, as well as how they are setting up finance programs to support projects for their residents and businesses. Also to be covered are resources already available to support this work and what communities still need to develop their own financing strategies.
March 4, 2013
Tribal Energy Program Internships at Sandia National Laboratories (Applications due: March 15)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program is offering a summer 2013 internship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students. The 12-week 2013 Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship will be located at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Working closely with experienced renewable energy program staff and Tribes interested in deploying renewable energy systems, interns will benefit from direct tribal energy project experience and exposure to a variety of issues concerning tribal renewable energy technology use and application. Frequent travel will be required, as interns will participate in field visits to current tribal energy projects.
Student applicants must be U.S. citizens, and there is a preference for Native Americans. The application deadline is March 15, 2013. For more information and full eligibility requirements, see the Tribal Energy Program's College Student Summer Internships page and the announcement. To apply, visit the Sandia National Laboratories Internships & Co-ops page and search for the key word "tribal energy" within the Careers tool.
February 14, 2013
Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands Webinar on February 27
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. The next webinar in the series is listed below. Click the webinar title for more information and to register. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.
- Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands
Date/Time: February 27, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST.
Overview: This webinar will provide an introduction to the recently released National Renewable Energy Laboratory and ICF studies on tribal renewable energy resources. It will cover location, siting, and transmission issues and opportunities for feasible renewable energy development on tribal lands.A list of the webinars currently planned for the series in 2013 is available on the Webinars page of the Tribal Energy Program website. For archives of some of the past Tribal Energy Program webinars, see the Webcast Presentations page of the Western Area Power Administration website.
February 12, 2013
Applications for START Round 2 Being Accepted (Applications due: March 15)
On January 30, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the second round of the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program, which provides federally recognized Tribal governments with technical assistance to accelerate clean energy project deployment. Additionally, the Energy Department plans to seek information from Tribes interested in launching or expanding utility services in their own communities, which will help establish a new START Utility Program (START-UP).
The DOE Office of Indian Energy is accepting applications for round two of the START Program until March 15, 2013. For more information, see the DOE Announcement and the START Program page of the Office of Indian Energy Web site.
February 1, 2013
Indian Community Development Block Grant Funding Opportunity (Applications due: March 18)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) announced a possible funding opportunity under the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. The purpose of the ICDBG program is the development of viable Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes.
Eligible applicants are Indian tribes or tribal organizations on behalf of Indian tribes. The application deadline is March 18, 2013. For more information, see the Notice of Funding Availability and the ICDBG opportunity synopsis on Grants.gov.
January 17, 2013
NRC Tribal Policy Development – Open Comment Period
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking comments on draft agency procedures for consulting with Native American tribes and suggestions for a policy statement on tribal consultations that the staff will develop.
The draft Tribal Protocol Manual provides guidance on effective interaction between NRC staff and tribal governments, along with background on the historic relationship between the federal government and Native Americans. To aid in the development of an agency-wide policy statement, the NRC is looking for comments from tribal governments and organizations, the public, and other interested parties. The comment period closes April 1, 2013.
For additional information on the NRC Tribal policy development, please visit the NRC website or Federal Register Notice.
January 16, 2013
Tribal and Alaska Native Workshop Presentations Available
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program has made available the presentations from the following two workshops held in 2012:
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Tribal Community Development
The DOE Tribal Energy Program hosted this workshop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from August 7-9, 2012.- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Alaska Native Community Development
The DOE Office of Indian Energy and the DOE Tribal Energy Program hosted this workshop in Anchorage, Alaska, from October 16 to 17, 2012.Both workshops were designed to help tribal leaders and staff understand the range of energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities that exist in their communities, and the workshops also covered project development and financing for clean energy projects.
January 8, 2013
Upcoming Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar on January 30
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. The next webinar in the series is listed below. Click the webinar title for more information and to register. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.
- Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) and Online Education Program Update
Date/Time: January 30, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST.
Overview: This webinar will provide an overview of the START program, activities, and accomplishments, and it will explain DOE's new online renewable energy education curriculum for tribes.A list of the webinars currently planned for the series in 2013 is available on the Webinars page of the Tribal Energy Program website. For archives of some of the past Tribal Energy Program webinars, see the Webcast Presentations page of the Western Area Power Administration website.
Archived News
