Tribes in the Rocky Mountain region are seeking to develop their natural energy resources in hopes of generating jobs and revenues and taking more control of their destines.

The Chippewa Cree Tribe in Montana wants to create its own energy company in order to keep more oil and gas royalties. The tribe also wants to build a $90 million ethanol fuel plant.

The Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana are offering oil and gas leases for the first time in decades. The Crow Tribe, also in Montana, is encouraging more development on the reservation.

Indian Country supplies about 10 percent of the nation's energy supply. The federal government says there may be more untapped potential.

Get the Story:
US Indian tribes eye Rocky Mountain energy plans (Reuters 2/27)

National Energy Bill:
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R.6)

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