Several members of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho say energy companies aren't compensating them for the use of their land.

The tribal members staged a protest over the weekend, saying Avista Utilities and other companies are using their land without their consent. They say they have asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs for help but have been given the run-around.

Avista said it has been negotiating leases with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. But the BIA says Avista is negotiating directly with the landowners.

One tribal member has sued two energy companies in tribal court over the use of her land. Marci Bailey had initially filed in federal court but the case was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

Get the Story:
Nez Perce tribal members demand compensation for utility lines (AP 7/17)

Relevant Links:
Nez Perce Tribe - http://www.nezperce.org
Energy Policy Act Section 1813: Indian Lands Rights-of-Way Study Public Information Center - http://1813.anl.gov/index.cfm

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

Relevant Links:
Council of Energy Resource Tribes - http://www.certredearth.com
Edison Electric Institute - http://www.eei.org
Department of Energy - http://www.energy.gov

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