WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan to create jobs, cut carbon pollution and develop clean domestic energy, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on Thursday, Sept. 15, will join leaders of the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians in Clark County, Nevada to make an important announcement regarding tribal energy and economic development. In her capacity as Chair of the White House Council on Native American Affairs , Secretary Jewell leads a comprehensive federal initiative to work more collaboratively and effectively with tribes to advance their economic and social priorities. Secretary Jewell’s visit to Nevada marks the final stop on a three-state tour highlighting the Obama Administration efforts to support renewable energy.
To foster tribal energy self-sufficiency and advance economic competitiveness, Interior conducted a sweeping reform of federal surface leasing regulations for American Indian lands that streamlines the approval process for home ownership and spurs renewable energy development in Indian Country. As trustee for the land and resources of federally-recognized tribes, Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs is responsible for managing about 55 million surface acres in Indian Country. In 2014, Interior approved the 200-megawatt Moapa Solar Energy Center Project on tribal trust land, located about 20 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
President Obama's strong record of supporting rural economies through the White House Rural Council has focused on maximizing the impact of Federal investment to promote economic prosperity and improve the quality of life in rural communities, including on tribal lands. Under the President’s Climate Action Plan, smart development of Indian Country resources has the power to strengthen tribal economies, create jobs and generate self-sufficiency. The plan calls on Interior to permit 20,000 megawatts of renewable power by 2020. Since 2009, Interior has approved 59 utility-scale renewable energy projects on public lands, including 35 solar, 11 wind and 13 geothermal projects and associated transmission infrastructure that could support nearly 15,500 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, or enough to power approximately 5.1 million homes.
In addition, Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management offshore energy development program has awarded 11 commercial wind energy leases in federal waters off the Atlantic coast. These sales encompass more than one million acres in federal waters that, if fully developed, have the potential to power over four million homes.
Who:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Lawrence S. Roberts, Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs
Robert Tom, Chairman, Moapa Band of Paiute
Brian Coons, Vice President of Project Development, North America, First Solar
What:
Announcement of major renewable energy milestone on tribal lands
When:
Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016
9:00 a.m. PDT – Media check-in
9:15 a.m. PDT – Tour
10:00 a.m. PDT – Signing ceremony followed by brief media availability
Where:
Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project Site
(Turn left after taking exit 64 from I-15 North. Take the first right, which is marked by a sign that directs you to Harry Allen Plant. Continue for 13 miles following signs to First Solar Moapa.)
Media:
Please note reporters will be transported by bus to the tour and back to the starting point. Credentialed members of the media wishing to attend the event MUST RSVP here to secure space on the bus.
Source: Department of Interior
