"Indian tribes are disproportionately hard hit by the effects of global warming. But the prospect of generating clean energy from renewable resources presents tribes with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create jobs and protect natural and cultural resources.

With 95 million acres of land under tribal management and centuries of experience conserving the natural world, Indian tribes can, on their own terms, help provide for their own energy needs and generate clean power for a new energy future in Indian country.

In the Southwest, projects to harness the sun's and wind's energy are the most promising, according to a new report from the National Tribal Environmental Council, Native American Rights Fund, Intertribal Council on Utility Policy and National Wildlife Federation.

The report maps the possibilities for renewable energy in Indian country and details case studies of clean energy and energy efficiency/weatherization.

For example, tribal lands have the potential to produce 17.6 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity a year from solar power, about 4.5 times the total amount of electricity generated in the United States in 2004."

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Roger F. Tungovia and Steve Torbit: Tribes can provide the key to clean energy (The Arizona Republic 5/30)