Cody Two Bear, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, has been a fierce advocate for clean energy and tribal sovereignty. His journey began during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2017, where he witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of energy extraction on tribal lands. This experience sparked a passion in Two Bear to explore alternative energy solutions for his community.
In 2018, Two Bear founded Indigenize Energy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping tribes achieve energy sovereignty and economic development through clean energy projects. Last year, the organization secured nearly $136 million in federal funding through the Solar for All program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. This funding enabled the launch of the Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition, which aims to implement solar projects in 14 tribal nations in the Northern Plains region.
However, the progress of these projects faced a setback when the Trump administration froze funding for the Solar for All program. This move left the coalition and its members without access to their grant for a period of time, causing uncertainty and delays in project implementation. While the funding was eventually released in March, the future of the program remains uncertain as the EPA considers ending it altogether.
The challenges for tribal clean energy projects further intensified with the passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) last month. The bill included cuts to incentives for clean energy projects, such as wind and solar tax credits, and clean energy grants. This reduction in support has created obstacles for renewable energy projects across the country, impacting tribal nations that rely on federal funding for their initiatives.
One tribe feeling the effects of these policy changes is the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, which had planned solar projects dependent on federal tax credits. The tribe now faces a tight deadline to begin construction by next July to avoid losing these credits, adding pressure to an already complex project development process.
To adapt to these new challenges, tribes and organizations like Indigenize Energy are exploring alternative funding sources, such as philanthropy, short-term financing, and conventional loans. The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, a self-funded organization, is also stepping in to support tribal projects facing financial gaps and uncertainties.
Despite these obstacles, tribal communities remain resilient and determined to pursue energy sovereignty. Through creative solutions, collaboration, and perseverance, they are striving to overcome the hurdles posed by changing federal policies and funding cuts. As Cody Two Bear and others continue their work to advance clean energy initiatives, they remain committed to empowering tribal nations and building a sustainable future for all. The Alliance for Tribal Energy Resources (ATER) is currently providing a range of financial support to tribes in order to improve their energy infrastructure. This includes grants ranging from $50 to $500,000, as well as loans of up to $1 million, which will be forgiven if a tribe is unable to repay.
John Lewis, a spokesperson for the Alliance, emphasized the importance of tribes taking control of their energy resources. “Tribes need to build up internal capacity to manage their energy needs and ensure access to affordable, reliable electricity for their members,” Lewis stated. “With the increasing threat of climate change, it is crucial for tribes to have control over their energy situation.”
Lewis highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing out that temperatures are rising both nationally and globally. “The country is getting hotter. The world is getting hotter. It’s warming,” he warned.
By providing financial assistance to tribes, the Alliance hopes to empower them to develop sustainable energy solutions that will benefit their communities and protect the environment. Through these grants and loans, tribes will be able to invest in renewable energy sources and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Overall, the Alliance’s support aims to help tribes build resilience in the face of climate change and ensure a secure energy future for their members. This funding is a crucial step towards achieving energy sovereignty and independence for tribal communities across the country.
