WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed H.R. 210. Introduced by Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the “Native American Energy Act" addresses the federal government’s overregulation of Indian lands to promote energy development by Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations.
“The Native American Energy Act is critically important to Alaska Natives and American Indians because it levels the playing field for responsible resource development,anessentialstep towards self-determination,"said Rep. Young.“The bill contains a number ofpolicy improvementsto reduce the hurdles and obstacles for energy and resource development imposed by the federal government, while empowering Native communities to better manage and develop their lands.Thislegislation contains importantpermitting andJudicial review provisionsfor tribes andAlaska Native Corporations that work to eliminate attacks by outside special interest groups. Overall, this bill is based on the principle thatNative communities, not the federal government or special interests, are the best stewards ofNativelands. I’m encouragedbythe strong support my legislation hasreceivedfrom tribes and Native organizations throughout the countryand thank Chairman Bishop for making this issue a top priority."
“This bill turns the page on the federal government’s culture of paternalism and empowers Indian tribes and Alaska Natives to develop their own natural resources. Thankfully, as this bill moves through the legislative process, less time will need to be spent educating the executive branch on the virtues of responsible energy development, and more can be spent finalizing this package with the Senate. I thank Rep. Don Young for his continued leadership on this issue and look forward advancing this bill through the House and to the President’s desk." Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) stated.
