The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released $9 million in funds to 24 American Indian communities to help them implement clean-energy and energy-efficiency projects.
The funds, which will go toward 16 facility- and community-scale energy projects, are part of President Obama’s desire to collaborate with Tribal Nations. The idea is that the projects will offer the communities clean-energy options to save money while also decreasing carbon pollution.
“The Energy Department is committed to maximizing the development and deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives,” Christopher Deschene, director of DOE’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, said. “By providing tribal communities and Alaska Native villages with knowledge, skills and resources, we hope to help tribal communities harness their local indigenous renewable energy resources, reduce their energy costs, create jobs and help implement successful strategic energy solutions.”
The funds are expected to be leveraged with approximately $16 million in cost sharing within specific tribal energy projects. This means the investment value should total more than $25 million.
“Within every challenge lie the seeds of opportunity, and I believe tribes are well positioned to cultivate those seeds through visionary leadership and strategic energy planning,” Deschene said.
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