Tribal nations are essential partners in the pursuit of the country’s ambitious energy goals. The Department of Energy (DOE) takes our commitment to strengthening Tribal sovereignty and self-governance seriously, and we know that fulfilling Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations along with robust and meaningful consultations are the cornerstones of Federal Indian policy. Regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations is a prerequisite for strong nation-to-nation relationships between the United States, its federal agencies, and Tribes. This includes respect for Tribal sovereignty and the promotion of self-governance, as well as inclusivity in both policy formation and implementation.
Upcoming Consultations
Monday, December 11th, 2023 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET - virtual consultation on updating DOE’s order and policy governing Tribal consultation and engagement
The deadline for written comments has been extended to January 31, 2024
- Dear Tribal Leader letter
- DOE Order 144.1 discussion draft
- DOE Policy discussion draft
- Consultation Slideshow
- Video of Secretary Granholm's remarks During the Consultation
- Video of the Consultation
Our Team
DOE Tribal Consultation Contact
To contact the Congressional & Intergovernmental team about Tribal Consultation, email tribalconsultation@hq.doe.gov.
Tribal Energy Steering Committee
The Tribal Energy Steering Committee at the Department of Energy coordinates tribal consultation and engagement across DOE programmatic offices and is comprised of representatives from whose work may impact Tribes. Its role is defined in DOE Order 144.1.
Resources
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Past Events
Office of State and Community Consultation on Tribal Home Energy Rebates (Spring 2023)
DOE seeks to work with tribal governments and Alaska Native entities to administer the tribal home energy rebates programs to help tribal households reduce energy bills, increase comfort, improve indoor air quality, and reduce emissions. Executive leaders of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native entities were invited to attend a virtual tribal consultation, hosted on March 29, 2023. Additionally, the office sought specific feedback from tribal governments and Alaska Native entities in several areas, with written comments due by April 28, 2023.
2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit (November 30 - December 1, 2022)
2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit
Held on November 30th and December 1st, 2022 at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Department of Energy Tribal Clean Energy Summit 2022 (October 4-5, 2022)
Tribal leaders were invited to join U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm for a nation-to-nation roundtable discussion of a key question: How can the U.S. Department of Energy strengthen tribal energy sovereignty? For Summit livestream recordings, presentations and photos, please visit Tribal Clean Energy Summit 2022.
Consultation on the Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA), also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (March 29, 2022)
The U.S. Department of Energy held a virtual consultation session for Tribal leaders and Alaska Native communities March 29, 2022.
The Department’s website on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program can help Tribal leaders prepare for the consultation session. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook, prepared by the White House, may also be helpful.
| Dear Tribal Leader Letter |
| Dear Native Corporation Leader Letter |
| March 2022 DOE BIL Consultation Presentation |
Links
- President Biden Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships.
- Executive Order 13175 (2000) Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments
- DOE Order 144.1 Department of Energy American Indian Tribal Government Interactions and Policy (2009)
- Download DOE’s 2021 Tribal Consultation Plan of Action here.
- Download the March 2022 progress report on DOE Plan of Action here.
- Read more about the Department of Energy and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law here.
VIDEO: What Does Energy Sovereignty Mean to You? | Department of Energy In a series of short interviews, tribal members and energy partners speak in their own words about energy sovereignty and what it means to them.