Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on tribal autonomy and energy development and the implementation of the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response:

"It is important that we hear from Indian tribes about the barriers, remaining issues, and what future activities they wish to seek to meet energy autonomy. Expanding the ability of tribes to use their land without needing to come to the government for approval is crucial for furthering self-determination and economic security. Each tribe is uniquely situated within their lands, their culture, and their history. Tribal governments already seek to make the best decisions for their members, for their social, cultural, and economic security. Congress has a responsibility to all Americans to work towards abundant, affordable energy, and ensure tribes are able to develop their energy resources as best suits the needs and desires of each community. Energy development on tribal lands is not only beneficial for our tribes, but also for America."

Background 

Congress has historically worked to provide tribes with tools to better utilize underdeveloped energy resources on tribal lands. These resources provide jobs and revenues to tribal communities that poor economic conditions have harmed for decades. These efforts also have the broader benefit of increasing domestic energy production and bolstering national security.

Congress authorized Tribal Energy Resource Agreements (TERAs) in 2005, which removes the requirement for secretarial approval on each tribal energy project, thereby allowing tribes to better exercise their self-determination.

However, tribes have struggled to take full advantage of the TERA process despite streamlining and clarifications provided in the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2017.

Today's hearing was a vital opportunity for members of Congress to hear from tribal and local leaders on the impacts of these laws, the struggles still facing tribes in their attempts to tap into resources and economic opportunities on tribal lands, and ways to improve the law to better support tribal autonomy into the future.