Dear Honorable Members of the United States House of Representatives:

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy is a national, Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the self-determined efforts of Native American Tribes to transition to clean energy systems. Through technical and financial assistance, education, and policy advocacy grounded in Tribal governance and values, the Alliance supports Tribes in developing clean energy solutions as a pathway to economic prosperity, climate resilience, and true sovereignty.

As Congress considers the final version of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the Alliance joins more than 100 Tribal Nations and organizations that have called on Congress to preserve energy tax policies that are essential to energy development in Indian Country. These provisions represent long-overdue tools that support economic recovery, infrastructure, and energy independence in communities that have historically borne the cost of federal neglect. In these letters, Tribal nations and organizations reiterated that energy tax credits fulfill a critical need at this moment and time, and for the future.

Specifically, twelve of the Tribal Nations we work with across the Western U.S. and Alaska are currently developing over 500 MW of energy projects in rural and remote communities. These projects represent once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment that will spur economic development, jobs, and an affordable source of reliable energy, but these critical projects are now at risk of cancellation. The consequences of HR1, as it stands, are not only economic but also environmental and humanitarian. Once again, Tribal Nations are being harmed, having resources stolen, and asked to navigate systems not built with them in mind. They are being asked to accept continued suffering for their people, many of whom live without electricity. This is unacceptable.

Key Concerns with H.R. 1

The Senate’s recently passed version of H.R. 1 contains provisions that would significantly obstruct energy development in Indian Country, particularly for large land-based Tribes. This bill already poses complications and barriers for energy projects:

• Introduces aggressive timelines for wind and solar projects, despite that these projects require federal permits and complex capital stacking that can take time to complete
• Requires adherence to unworkable FEOC (Foreign Entities of Concern) restrictions that will require projects, including those operated by Tribes and Tribal entities, to scrutinize their contracts and those of their suppliers and to have more information about their supply chain than they are likely able to obtain in the ordinary course of business
• Jeopardizes hundreds of projects underway or shovel-ready, which will strengthen energy independence, rural development, and national energy resilience.

Examples of Projects at Risk

Tribal Nations are leading transformative clean energy projects that strengthen energy security, reduce costs, and fulfill the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities. These projects directly serve thousands of citizens and include:

• Solar, battery storage, and microgrid systems that power critical services such as schools, health clinics, clean water systems, and essential medical equipment—ensuring uninterrupted care and operations in remote communities.
• Wind energy and battery storage infrastructure that reduces reliance on unstable or external sources, supporting true community energy independence.
• Hydropower and utility-scale clean energy projects designed to lower energy costs, replace expensive and polluting fuels like diesel, and expand access to reliable power across rural and underserved areas.
• Land remediation efforts that repurpose contaminated or degraded lands for renewable energy development—creating jobs, restoring land value, and turning legacies of environmental harm into economic and energy assets.

These projects support energy affordability, job creation, and infrastructure security. Without them, Tribal communities will remain vulnerable to outages, lack of access to power, and extreme weather events, all of which can be life-threatening.

Our Urgent Plea

To ensure Tribes are not unfairly impacted and prevented from advancing energy security, economic development, and self-determination, we urge the House to revise the Senate-passed versions of H.R. 1 to eliminate unnecessary red tape and protect these Tribal projects that impact so many Native Americans and strengthen America’s overall energy future.

We understand the complex decisions you face in shaping federal policy. Still, we believe that supporting Tribal energy sovereignty and rural development aligns not only with long-standing bipartisan values but also with the priorities of many Americans who care about affordability, infrastructure, American jobs, and local control. At a time when public trust and accountability are under close watch, standing with Tribal Nations and rural communities on this issue reflects a forward, pro-growth approach that resonates with constituents across the political spectrum.

Tribal Nations should not be collateral damage in any legislation. H.R. 1, as written, violates the spirit of Tribal consultation and undermines the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations. The Alliance urges Congress to ensure that Tribal energy sovereignty, infrastructure, and economic opportunity are protected in final legislation. For questions or to learn more about the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy’s work, we welcome you to contact us.

Wela’lioq – with respect and in mutual service to Tribal Nations,