U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Senator Brian Schatz, Vice Chair, convened an oversight hearing to review tribal energy programs administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The session focused on how federal initiatives can better assist Tribal nations in developing and managing their energy resources.
Chairman Murkowski highlighted persistent challenges for Tribal communities regarding access to affordable energy despite having significant untapped resources. She stated, “Tribal communities have long faced significant barriers to energy access and affordability, despite possessing vast untapped energy resources. Federal programs like the DOE’s Office of Indian Energy have supported some successful projects – such as in Igiugig, Alaska, where they helped fund the installation of two hydrokinetic devices and energy storage technology; however, bureaucratic hurdles, high costs, and other systematic issues remain a challenge,” said Chairman Murkowski. “I hope that the insights and feedback from today’s hearing will help us better ensure that Tribes are poised to take advantage of their resources, build more resilient, cost-effective energy systems, and develop a mutually beneficial relationship with this administration to unleash American energy.”
Senator Schatz addressed recent legislative actions impacting funding for tribal energy efforts. He remarked: “Last Congress we made historic, bipartisan investments in Indian country’s energy future and its ability to determine that future for itself – whether through non-renewable or renewable sources. We made progress, but over the objection of Native communities and their industry partners, legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Trump administration’s actions are resulting in rescission of millions in key funding for energy-neutral projects at the Department of Energy” said Vice Chairman Schatz. “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we started to move past the status quo, but it feels like we’re not even returning to that old mark, and actually going backwards.”
The committee heard from several witnesses during the hearing. A full video recording is available online.
Written testimony will be accepted until September 24, 2025 via testimony@indian.senate.gov.
