The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the establishment of the Tribal Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Working Group, which will be managed by the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). This initiative aims to assist tribes in their decarbonization efforts and in utilizing their natural resources. The collaboration is expected to boost local economic development, provide workforce training for high-wage jobs, and support tribal technical capacity.
"The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes that energy is foundational to Tribal self-determination," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. She emphasized the administration's investment in tribal clean energy projects and expressed excitement about supporting tribal capacity-building through this new working group.
The working group includes eight federally recognized tribes with significant fossil energy reserves: Jicarilla Apache, Crow Nation, Navajo Nation, Caddo Nation, Hopi Nation, Southern Ute, Arctic North Slope Iñupiat, and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation. The DOE expects more tribes to join over time.
Chairman Mark N. Fox from the MHA Nation expressed gratitude for hosting a site visit from DOE officials. "It was a privilege to showcase our innovative initiatives," he said.
Chairman Bobby Gonzalez from the Caddo Nation highlighted their focus on methane emissions mitigation and collaboration with partners like Oklahoma University on solutions such as converting methane to hydrogen.
Doreen Leavitt from the Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope stated their commitment to managing oil and gas resources responsibly while balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Interim Tribal Co-Chair William D. McCabe from the Navajo Nation stressed their resolve for sustainable resource management and looked forward to collaborating within the working group.
Demi Morishige from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe emphasized their commitment to tribal sovereignty and sustainable energy initiatives through this partnership.
The Crow Nation also expressed gratitude for participating in discussions about energy resource management at a forum held in Medora, North Dakota.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides over $13 billion in funding directly supporting tribal communities. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act allocates $720 million for climate resilience and energy funding for tribes.
Initial priorities for the working group include developing carbon capture facilities, methane mitigation strategies, critical minerals production, and repurposing existing energy assets slated for retirement.
FECM plans virtual briefings with participating tribes before holding a formal meeting in 2025. FECM's mission includes minimizing environmental impacts of fossil fuels while achieving net-zero emissions across the U.S economy.
