The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host seven tribal consultation sessions and seven stakeholder outreach meetings to give Alaska Native federally recognized Tribes and corporations an opportunity to provide input on the National Strategy for the Arctic Region 10-year plan to develop renewable energy resources in the Arctic region.
DOE supports the goals and activities of the National Strategy for the Arctic Region, which outlines U.S. strategic priorities for the Arctic region to respond effectively to emerging opportunities while pursuing efforts to protect and conserve the Arctic’s unique environment. The priorities are to advance U.S. security interests, pursue responsible Arctic region stewardship, and strengthen international cooperation. A key principle of the National Strategy is to consult and coordinate with Alaskan Native communities.
Signed by President Obama on May 10, 2013, the National Strategy builds upon existing initiatives by federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and focus efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. To support the goals of the National Strategy, an Implementation Plan was developed in January 2014 to outline the methodology, process, and approach for executing the strategy. Included in the National Strategy Implementation Plan is a DOE effort to promote renewable energy resources for Alaska Native villages and federal facilities through key activities that:
- Identify federal, tribal, state, regional, and stakeholder goals for renewable energy development;
- Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships to support renewable energy project deployment;
- Support deployment of clean energy projects through existing, and potential future federal efforts, such as the Alaska Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team Program and the Remote Community Renewable Energy Partnership; and
- Leverage science and innovative technologies in renewable energy.
Alaska Native tribal and corporation leaders are invited to provide their input to the 10-year implementation plan by attending one of the following sessions:
- Oct. 23: Anchorage
- Nov. 5: Kotzebue
- Nov. 6: Nome
- Nov. 10: Fairbanks
- Nov. 12: Barrow
- Nov. 14: Bethel
- Nov. 17: Unalaska.
In addition to the in-person consultation sessions, written comments will be accepted until December 12, 2014, to IndianEnergy@hq.doe.gov, or by fax to 202-586-1534. If you have questions, please contact DOE Office of Indian Energy Acting Director Pilar Thomas via email or by phone at 202-287-6566.