Native American communities will receive millions in federal clean energy funding to enhance electricity generation and stability in rural America. More than 17 projects have been announced as the federal government continues its future-forward energy mission.
Thanks to leadership from leaders like U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Congresswoman Mary Peltola, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act passed through Congress and is bolstering efforts like these. Around $366 million has been allocated from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act to pay for all solar, hydropower, and energy storage projects with poor electric infrastructure. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) hailed the announcement of the funding as a major win for Tribal communities lacking a reliable and cheap power source.
DOE also announced another $25 million through a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for clean energy deployment on Tribal lands. Tribal leaders were encouraged to apply for those grants by May 30.
“Many Indian Tribes pay more than four times the national average on utility bills, and some families do not have electricity for light or refrigeration, which is why the [current] administration is working hard to ensure that Native communities have the support they need to increase access to clean energy solutions that will lower energy costs and enhance energy sovereignty,” Jennifer Granholm, secretary of energy, said in a statement.
The funding will ensure all Native American and Alaska Native communities have clean energy systems installed for Tribal buildings. Some will have autonomous operations independent of any national grid.
Photo Courtesy Manny Becerra
The Associated Press said that the Navajo and Hopi Tribes in the Southwest are expected to benefit the most from this deal. Nearly a third of Navajo Nation homes have monthly outages or don’t have access to electricity, and independent solar grids aim to correct this situation.
Meanwhile, the Hopi Tribe is working with the government on a $9 million solar panel project and battery storage solutions. This effort replaces a coal-fired power plant that was shuttered in 2019, costing the Navajo and Hopi jobs. These cleantech systems will also supply new jobs to the area.
More than 30 tribes are involved in this funding, spanning 20 states. The money will help wildfire deterrents in the Sierra Nevada communities in California, solar and hydropower for a Tribal village in Washington state, and a hydroelectric plant is going up in Alaska.
The Southeast is getting $57 million in solar power and storage for health centers in rural Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Photo Courtesy Yoneken
Additional funding for these projects is coming from the Justice40 campaign. The White House announced the program in 2022. It sends 40% of investments into federal climate benefits for disadvantaged communities.
Justice40 deals focus on clean transit, affordable housing, sustainable energy infrastructure, water systems, and reduction of legacy pollution. The initiative works with several government agencies, including Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and the Interior.
The White House published a comprehensive breakdown of current federal initiatives uplifting these communities. The DOE said the decision to allocate clean energy funds to Tribal nations reflects the current administration’s commitment “to protecting and supporting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination” and upholding treaty rights.
“At least 70% of the funds announced today — over $14 billion of capital — will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities, including historic energy communities that have powered our nation for over a century, communities with environmental justice concerns, communities of color, low-income communities, rural communities, Tribal communities, and more,” a White House press release said. “This makes the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund the single largest non-tax investment within the Inflation Reduction Act to build a clean energy economy while benefiting communities historically left behind.”
