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DOE provides funding for tribal renewable development

Native American tribes throughout the United States will receive nearly $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to support a variety of innovative renewable energy and energy efficient projects.

"Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies can play a significant role in encouraging tribal self-sufficiency, creating jobs and improving environmental quality," said Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman.

Projects run the gamut from strategic planning to training to resource development. In Minnesota, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians plans to train tribal members to conduct energy audits. The tribe will also implement energy efficiency improvements in existing tribal homes and build more energy efficient housing.

The Aleut people of Alaska live in one of the windiest places in the world. The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association will use its DOE grant toselect and evaluate sites in six communities for wind energy development. The study will also examine the impact of wind facilities on nearby seabird colonies.

In 2002, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in Maine paid the third highest cost for electricity in the country. The tribe will use its grant to reduce high energy costs and move toward energy self-sufficiency by developing plentiful wind and biomass resources.

All the initiatives are aimed at increasing energy autonomy and sustainability on reservations. Visit the DOE Website for a complete list of recipients.