Federal energy officials took the unusual step of denying permits to several pumped hydropower projects proposed on the Navajo Nation, citing a new policy that gives tribes a greater voice in projects on their lands.

When Adrian Herder saw the plans for a hydropower project on the Navajo Nation, he was shocked by the “outrageous” amounts of water the project would reportedly use.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has become the first tribe in the nation to become a participating transmission owner as part of a new project that will help California meet its green energy goals.