Tribal Clean Energy
Symposium @ RE+ Agenda
New Speakers are being added daily. Check back often!
The Tribal Clean Energy Technology Symposium at RE+ 2024 will bring together Tribal leaders, energy developers, service providers, and federal and NGO clean energy experts to explore vital issues related to a just transition.
Professionally facilitated, this immersive one-day event features informative sessions, case studies, and dialogue on respectful, equitable, and profitable partnerships with tribes to develop clean energy projects of all sizes and technologies.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Opening Blessing
9:05 AM – 9:50AM | Electrical Infrastructure Needed on Tribal Lands
Session Overview: This session will explore the critical infrastructure requirements necessary for tribes to effectively generate clean energy for self-consumption and to export energy on their lands. The discussion will focus on the role of distribution and transmission systems, the challenges and opportunities associated with developing such infrastructure, and the support tribal communities need to execute these projects. Experts in electrical engineering, energy policy, and tribal affairs will share insights and experiences to guide tribal leaders and energy development partners in working together on grid connected energy projects.
Zhanna Yermakov, NREL
Joseph McNeil, SAGE Development Authority
James Sheftal, Accurate Structural Inc.
Michelle Holiday, Michelle Holiday & Associates
10:05 AM – 10:50 AM | Leveraging TEK: Considerations Impacting Clean Energy Projects on Tribal Lands
Session Overview: This session will explore the development of tribal clean energy projects through the perspective of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). We will discuss the necessary local, state, federal, and tribal permitting requirements, including the role of formal tribal consultations. The session will address the challenges that may arise during the planning, development, and implementation of clean energy projects, and how integrating TEK can lead to successful outcomes.
Confirmed Speakers:
Darren Dadoba, Moapa Band of Paiutes
Octavius Seowtewa, Zuni Cultural Resource Advisory Team
David Archembault II, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
11:30 AM – 11:50 AM | US DOE Loan Program Office: Tribal Energy Finance Program and considerations to financing projects in Indian Country
Session Overview: The Loan Programs Office (LPO) within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) serves a critical role in advancing the nation’s energy and environmental goals as a public financing partner that accelerates high-impact energy and manufacturing investments to advance America’s economic future. LPO program offerings operate under a framework to support the goals of environmental sustainability, energy security, and economic development. This session will focus on the LPO’s newest program TELP, which is dedicated to supporting Tribal energy Sovereignty by financing energy projects in Indian Country. A brief overview of considerations unique to financing projects in Indian Country will be provided with opportunity for Q&A.
Confirmed Speakers:
Jennifer Lerch, Department of Energy
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Building the Capital Stack: Financing Scenarios for Tribal Clean Energy Projects
Session Overview: With the increasing number of energy funding sources available to Native communities, how should Tribes and Developers maximize the opportunity while minimizing execution risk from pre-development through operations? This session will bring together development and finance practitioners to discuss real world case studies, how the Inflation Reduction Act and related legislation has dramatically changed the landscape, and will address common concerns and misconceptions relating to financing and developing projects with sovereign tribal nations.
Confirmed Speakers:
Joel Laubenstein, Baker Tilly US
Les Rubin, Picuris Pueblo
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Tribal Energy Project in Progress: Technical, Financial and Development Collaborations for Tribal Clean Energy Projects
Session Overview: This session will focus on the critical role of partnerships in advancing clean energy initiatives within tribal communities. The discussion will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities associated with developing and financing clean energy projects on tribal lands. By bringing together tribal leaders, energy finance experts, project developers, and other stakeholders, the session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to form respectful and mutually-beneficial partnerships with tribal nations.
Confirmed Speakers:
Pilar Thomas, Quarles & Brady LLP
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM | Solar For All: Tribal Opportunities and Challenges of the Historic EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Program
Session Overview: This session focuses on exploring how tribal communities can leverage the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) to advance solar energy projects. The discussion aims to provide insights into the opportunities offered by the GGRF, the challenges unique to tribal lands, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Tribal leaders, developers, and policymakers will share their experiences and expertise to guide attendees in maximizing the benefits of this historic solar funding opportunity.
Confirmed Speakers:
Utopia Hill, Reactivate
Daniel Wiggins, MTERA
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | CAPSTONE DISCUSSION with Cheri and Pilar
Confirmed Speakers:
Chéri Smith (Mi’kmaq), President & CEO Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Pilar Thomas (Pasqua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP, former U.S. Departments of Justice and Energy and Indian Affairs
4:30 PM – Closing
