DOE unveils plan to bolster tribal energy projects
By Brian Dabbs | 10/10/2024 06:47 AM EDT
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm called the guidance on tribal consultation an “enormous milestone.”
Department of Energy headquarters in Washington. Francis Chung/POLITICO
The Department of Energy on Wednesday released new guidelines for agency staff to “maximize” consultation with tribes on energy rebates, federal grants, power purchase agreements and other programs.
The release comes ahead of Indigenous Peoples Day, which is recognized Oct. 14. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm called the six-page consultation document an “enormous milestone.”
“We’re now requiring DOE officials to take more expansive training on their responsibilities to tribal nations,” she told reporters Wednesday. “We’re requiring every DOE program office and field site to designate at least one tribal liaison.”
In 2021, following an executive order from President Joe Biden, DOE pledged to “strengthen” tribal consultations. The new requirements apply to more than $220 million in home energy efficiency rebates, as well as infrastructure law grant opportunities.
