New report details renewable energy resources on tribal lands

The New Energy Future in Indian Country: Confronting Climate Change, 
Creating Jobs, and Conserving Nature

Washington, DC (March 23) – Indian Tribes are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change. But the huge potential on tribal lands to generate clean energy from renewable resources presents tribes with the opportunity to be a significant part of the solution through climate policy that creates green jobs and protects natural resources, detailed in a new report.

“Tribal households pay significantly more in home energy expenses than other Americans,” said Bob Gruenig, senior policy analyst, National Tribal Environmental Council. “The vast potential on tribal lands to generate clean energy from renewable resources means that Indian Tribes can help to provide for their own energy needs, generate clean power for a new energy future in Indian Country, and put American on the path to energy independence.”

In collaboration with National Tribal Environmental Council, Native American Rights Fund, and Intertribal Council On Utility Policy, National Wildlife Federation is releasing The New Energy Future in Indian Country: Confronting Climate Change, Creating Jobs, and Conserving Nature to provide an overview of the possibilities for renewable energy in Indian Country and detailing case studies of wind, solar, geothermal and biomass production, as well as energy efficiency/weatherization.

“With 95 million acres of land under their management and centuries of experience conserving the natural world, Indian tribes can play a significant role in protecting natural resources from climate change and coping with a warmer world,” said Steve Torbit, director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Rocky Mountain Regional Center and Tribal Lands Conservation Program. “With our partners, we developed this report to showcase the tremendous opportunities tribes have to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and participate in the green economy, while protecting their natural resource heritage.”

“Our band is at the forefront of national efforts to build a new energy future, and we must continue to invest in renewable, sustainable power to ensure that 20 percent of our energy comes from renewable power by 2020,” said Monique La Chappa, chairwoman, Campo Kumeyaay Nation, home to the first wind farm on Tribal land. “Wind power development is the accelerant to the Campo people’s vision for 2020: THRIVE – A Generation of Promise.”

The report details:

·         The vast opportunities for renewable energy production and case studies where clean energy is already flowing in Indian Country

·         Maps of energy potential in wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass

·         How weatherization can reduce energy costs for Tribal households

·         Green jobs in Indian Country and opportunities for clean energy investments

·         Tribal principles for climate legislation

“Native people are not only aware of climate change, but offer solutions to lessen the impacts of global warming and help restore the balance of creation,” said Pat Spears, co-founder and president, Intertribal Council On Utility Policy. “Renewable energy from the earth, the sun, and the wind can provide energy and jobs for our communities and green the federal transmission grid that interconnects us all.”