The Senate Indian Affairs Committee last Thursday approved S.1684, the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2011.

The National Energy Policy Act of 2005 created a voluntary program aimed at speeding up development in Indian Country. Participating tribes can submit resource plans to the Interior Department in order to gain quick approval of business deals, leases, rights-of-way and other types of energy agreements.

However, the situation hasn't changed much. Since 2005, no tribe has actually submitted a tribal energy resource agreement, or TERA, for federal approval. S.1684 clarifies the process to encourage participation.

“In Indian Country, energy development means jobs. For far too long, bureaucratic red tape has prevented the pursuit of tribal economic development opportunities, especially energy development," Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), the vice chairman of the committee, said in a press release. This legislation will reverse that trend by removing road blocks and streamlining the process under current law.”

There is currently no companion version in the House.

Get the Story:
Indian energy bill, introduced by Wyoming senator, heads to Senate (The Casper Star-Tribune 9/20)

Committee Notices:
BUSINESS MEETING to consider the following: S.675, S.1345, S.1684 (September 13, 2012)

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Audio: Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on energy (4/19)
Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on energy bill (4/18)