More than 50 tribes and First Nations met last week on the Saginaw Chippewa Reservation in Michigan to discuss energy development.

David Lester, executive director of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, said tribes have the potential to become more self-sufficient through conservation and alternative energy development. He said fossil fuels still provide a source of income for some tribes but said not everyone has benefited from rising oil and gas prices.

Other speakers promoted alternative energy sources as well. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Ray said some tribes are turning to biomass energy.

Get the Story:
Tribes have energy potential (The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun 8/14)

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

Relevant Links:
Council of Energy Resource Tribes - http://www.certredearth.com
Department of Energy - http://www.energy.gov

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