DOE Supports Energy Efficiency Projects for Indian Tribes

On November 5 at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu emphasized the importance of energy efficiency programs for Indian tribes. "Clean energy projects will create jobs and economic opportunities on tribal lands, while reducing energy use and increasing energy security for Indian Country," stated Secretary Chu. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, P.L. 111-5), the Department of Energy (DOE) has made $35 million in grants available for the 562 federally-recognized tribes and 12 Alaska Regional Corporations to conduct energy efficiency programs. DOE expects to announce an additional $29 million for these programs over the next few months.

These funds will allow tribes to undertake a variety of projects including weatherization and retrofit projects, energy efficiency strategies, transportation programs, and outreach to educate tribal residents on energy conservation. For example, the Cherokee Nation is organizing a Home Energy Audit program to teach tribal members about energy efficiency strategies in their homes, thereby creating local jobs and energy savings. The Resighini Rancheria Tribe plans to support financial incentives for tribal homeowners to exchange old household appliances for energy efficient appliances. In June 2008, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) highlighted another efficiency strategy in a Congressional briefing on straw-bale construction. Plastered straw-bale walls have very high insulating properties, with R-values of 30 and higher, are inexpensive and locally produced in many tribal areas, and require labor intensive construction. Many Indian tribes facing the dual challenges of high unemployment and substandard housing could benefit from this building strategy.

DOE also has awarded $13 million in competitive grants this year through the Tribal Energy Program to help develop and deploy renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, thereby improving the economies, environments and qualities of life of Indian tribes.