The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report examining the Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Financing Program (TEFP), following a request from Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The program, designed to support tribal energy projects through loans and loan guarantees, was found to have significant barriers limiting its effectiveness and accessibility for tribes.
The GAO report identifies several challenges faced by tribes seeking to use the TEFP. These include high and unpredictable costs, unclear guidance from the Loan Programs Office (LPO), and insufficient tribal expertise within the LPO. As a result, many tribes are unable to fully benefit from the program.
Senator Murkowski commented on the findings: “The DOE’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program was designed to help Tribes pursue energy independence and economic development. Unfortunately, high upfront costs, confusing processes, and a lack of Tribal-specific input have limited the program’s reach, making it difficult, if not impossible, for Tribes to navigate. That’s why I asked the GAO to take a close look at the program and suggest commonsense improvements,” said Chairman Murkowski. “Alaska Native villages, and Tribal communities across the U.S., face a unique set of energy challenges that require diverse solutions. I appreciate the GAO for recognizing the potential of this program and for addressing my request to ensure it effectively addresses the obstacles faced by underserved Tribal communities – just as the program was intended. I anticipate the recommendations from this report will be important to our discussions in our committee hearing next week on Indian energy.”
In response to these issues, GAO provided recommendations aimed at improving how TEFP serves tribal communities.
A related hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Senator Murkowski will lead a session titled “Unleashing Indian Energy – Examining Federal Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy.” The hearing will be webcast live on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs website with archived video available after its conclusion.
