Donate

Advancing Tribal Energy Sovereignty
Amid Shifting Federal Priorities

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy stands firm: the progress toward clean energy sovereignty in Tribal communities is not just a passing phase—it’s a movement grounded in the wisdom and sacrifices of our ancestors, who have persevered through centuries of changing political regimes, our commitment to energy sovereignty will withstand any turn in government.

Native Nations are leading the charge for sustainable energy solutions that protect our lands and honor our traditions. This work isn’t just about the literal and figurative power of clean energy–it’s about self-determination, resilience, and long-term well-being. Tribes are building infrastructure that reflects Indigenous values and safeguards resources for future generations. Any attempts to slow or reverse this work will be met with steadfast resolve by Tribes and their allies who recognize that a just transition to clean energy is essential for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.

Through our collective strength, Tribal communities are creating a legacy of energy independence that is already creating jobs, reducing costs, and enhancing quality of life. The Alliance will continue to support Tribes in their self-directed pursuit of clean energy, standing beside the leaders, communities, and partners dedicated to ensuring this vital progress cannot be undone.

New Obstacles Along the Path to Federal Support: What’s at Risk

As we await the arrival of a new administration, Tribal communities stand at a crossroads where recent advancements in clean energy and economic empowerment face potential setbacks. The new administration has proposed actions that, if enacted, would halt or drastically change many of the Biden-era initiatives that have been pivotal for clean energy progress:

  • Job Creation and Economic Growth: The Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy plan has already generated over 330,000 new jobs, with more than half of these positions and investments benefiting Republican-held districts. Specifically, 354 new projects have led to $286 billion in investments and over 190,000 jobs in GOP districts, accounting for 57% of all new clean energy jobs. White House
  • Potential Job Losses and Increased Energy Costs: An independent analysis indicates that the proposed Project 2025 agenda could result in the loss of 1.7 million jobs and increase families’ electricity bills by over $32 billion by 2030. In These Times
  • Influence of Fossil Fuel Interests: Reports suggest that significant contributions from oil executives to political campaigns may lead to policy decisions favoring fossil fuel industries, potentially undermining clean energy progress. Wired
  • Elimination of Clean Energy Incentives: President-Elect Trump has signaled plans to cut or end solar and wind tax credits, which have helped make renewable projects financially viable for many Tribal communities. Especially at risk may be the Section 6417 Direct Pay provisions that enable Tribes and other nonprofits to leverage the portions of the production and investment tax incentives that heretofore had been useful only to those entities that actually pay taxes.
  • Shift in Climate Justice Priorities: The new administration aims to eliminate the environmental justice directives, which mandated that 40% of federal funding benefits disadvantaged communities—a policy that directly impacts Tribal access to critical resources.
  • Tariffs and Fossil Fuel Emphasis: Increased tariffs on solar panels from China and renewed support for oil and gas drilling on public lands could further raise the cost of clean energy projects and reinforce a fossil-fuel-dependent future.
  • Executive Orders: Four years ago, the Biden Administration signed numerous Executive Orders supporting the Just Transition, including one focused on Trust Responsibility and Tribal Self-Determination. While these orders reflect the president’s agenda rather than Congressional law, they set an important tone. With a new administration, we will closely monitor any shifts and advocate for Tribes as needed.

Why the Work of the Alliance is More Essential Than Ever

The Alliance is purposefully funded by philanthropy to stay resilient amid shifts in the nation’s political landscape. This support empowers us to stand with the Tribes we serve—not only within Tribal communities but also through our federal advocacy. We are committed to tirelessly advocating for federal programs essential to Tribal progress–from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Tribal Electrification Program to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund–receive continued investment. We will continue to stand by Tribes in holding the federal government accountable for honoring its treaty obligations and trust responsibilities by sustaining these critical clean energy programs, which are essential for economic growth and climate change resilience.

The Biden administration’s historic initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), have opened crucial pathways for Tribal nations to advance renewable energy, economic resilience, and environmental justice. Federal resources have catalyzed Tribal-led clean energy projects, creating jobs, enhancing community health, and building a foundation for long-term energy sovereignty.

If federal funding is reduced or withdrawn, vital advancements in infrastructure, economic stability, and environmental protection could be lost, putting these hard-earned gains at risk. Therefore, as policy priorities shift under the new administration and Congress, Tribe-serving organizations like the Alliance must step forward. Now more than ever, sustained philanthropic support is essential to preserve the momentum Tribal communities have worked tirelessly to achieve and to ensure these transformative projects reach completion.

Building Momentum in a Changing Political Landscape

With political landscapes shifting, the Alliance is closely tracking potential policy changes that could affect access to equitable funding and energy policy for Tribal energy projects. Areas of particular focus include:

  • Incentive Adjustments: Possible reductions or early phase-outs of solar and wind tax credits could impact clean energy projects’ cost structures, making philanthropic support vital for bridging funding gaps.
  • Interconnection Rules: Slowing of progress towards equitable interconnection rules for Tribal energy projects.
  • Methane Emissions & Fossil Fuel Production: Rollbacks on methane regulations could heighten air quality issues in frontline communities, underscoring the need for Tribal leadership in creating community-based air quality standards.
  • Emission Standards for Power Plants and Vehicles: Potential reversals on emissions limits emphasize the need for Tribes to take an active role in developing resilient, community-centered energy systems for clean power generation.
  • Increased Fossil Fuel Infrastructure: A possible uptick in natural gas export permits highlights the importance of strong Tribal advocacy to ensure land and resource management decisions respect Tribal rights and sovereignty.
  • Loss of Chevron Deference: In June 2024, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Loper v. Raimondo overturned the 40-year-old “Chevron deference” doctrine, which required courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws. Now, judges can interpret laws independently, raising concerns among legal analysts about the impact on environmental rulings. The effects on federal Indian law remain uncertain.

Strengthening Relationships to Preserve Forward Momentum

Though changes may slow the national and Tribal transition to clean energy, we remain committed—together with our donors and Tribal partners—to leveraging every tool, resource, and relationship to preserve the forward momentum and support the self-determination of Tribes to meet their clean energy goals.

The Alliance has cultivated strong relationships with Tribal allies across the federal government. Along with these allies, we commit to forming respectful working relationships with new administration members to maintain and build upon the unprecedented momentum Tribes have achieved in pursuit of a just transition. Engaging with these new leaders will be essential for keeping Tribal needs front and center in federal rulemaking, resource allocation, and energy policy development.

In addition to federal engagement, we are committed to strengthening our state-level advocacy efforts. Many clean energy initiatives originate at the state level, and we will continue to work closely with state leaders to develop, advance, and fund initiatives that support energy sovereignty. State-level advocacy ensures Tribes are included in energy and climate policies that align with their needs and priorities.

Philanthropy’s Role

Now, more than ever, philanthropy must commit to the redistribution of wealth to bridge potential gaps in federal support and expand its role in advancing Tribal energy sovereignty. With a change in administration, we anticipate shifts in policy that may diminish Tribes’ equitable access to essential clean energy funding. At this critical moment, Donor partnerships are crucial for ensuring Tribal communities have the tools and resources they need to build sustainable, self-determined, clean energy infrastructure. By standing with the Alliance and the Tribes we serve, our philanthropic allies support long-term environmental, economic, and cultural resilience, empowering Tribes to manage their resources and pursue regenerative energy initiatives.

Reasons to be Hopeful

Tribes are resilient and quite accustomed to changes in administration, so their commitment to a clean energy future for their people and lands remains resolute. The urgent need for a just transition to clean energy for Tribal communities does not shift with political tides, nor does their ambition to build sustainable, self-determined energy systems. Now, more than ever, philanthropic support is vital to help Tribes turn these ambitions into reality, ensuring progress continues regardless of political shifts. Together, we can advance this essential work with collective dedication and commitment to doing what’s right.

Our Commitment: Unwavering Advocacy for Energy Self-Determination

The Alliance is proud to be a steadfast advocate for Tribal energy sovereignty, working to ensure Tribal perspectives remain a focal point in national and state policy discussions. With our strong relationships across sectors, the Alliance is committed to advancing policies that protect funding, equitable opportunities, and clean energy initiatives for Tribal communities.

Our mission—to support Tribes in their self-determined pursuit of regenerative clean energy systems—is unshakeable and goes beyond American politics. We thank our partners, supporters, and Tribal leaders for standing with us and invite them to work alongside us in the ongoing journey toward sustainable, sovereign, and prosperous futures for Tribal nations.

The Alliance will continue to:

  • Provide technical assistance, capacity building, education and workforce, convening, and other no-cost resources to Tribes, enabling them to navigate and leverage every available opportunity.
  • Advocate for equitable and effective legislation, rulemaking, and funding that support Tribes’ clean energy goals.
  • Collaborate with federal agencies, state governments, and philanthropic partners to ensure sustained progress toward Tribal energy sovereignty.

Our commitment remains stronger than ever. Together with our dedicated philanthropic partners, we will continue to support the self-determined efforts of the Tribal communities we serve.  We will continue to offer resources and advocacy to aid in shaping Tribes’ energy futures on their own terms. We will continue this journey of respecting sovereignty, celebrating resilience, and leveraging the power of partnerships. As we walk this path forward, we do so with the strength of our ancestors, the wisdom of our people, and a vision for a future where Tribal energy sovereignty is not just a goal, but a reality led by and for Native communities.

Check back often for updates and news. Please reach out to info@tribalcleanenergy.org with any questions or requests.