$6.5 Million Awarded to Tribal Energy Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A $6.5 million grant was awarded to Native American tribes across the country for 19 clean energy projects.

The funding is a part of the Obama Administration’s effort to strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations and support tribal energy development.

The grant was awarded to projects under the categories of feasibility studies, renewable energy development programs and installation projects to convert waste and other biomass to energy, according to the Department.

The projects, selected through a competitive process, are designed to allow Native American Tribes to advance clean energy within their communities by assessing local energy resources, developing renewable energy projects and deploying clean energy technologies.

“As President Obama highlighted in the State of the Union, the Administration is committed to building an American economy that lasts and leverages our nation’s clean energy resources,” said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

As part of its commitment, the Department of Energy established the Indian Country Energy Infrastructure Working Group in the past year with Tribal leaders from across the country.

The Department also launched programs designed to provide technical assistance and support to help Tribal communities, colleges and universities deploy energy projects and gain skills in energy development and financing.