The Largest Investment in Climate for Tribal Communities
The Biden administration has allocated $72 million from the Investing in America agenda to assist Tribal communities in electrifying homes. This funding, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, represents the largest-ever investment in climate and aims to electrify all US homes with clean energy sources by 2035.
Empowering Tribal Communities through Electrification
The Office of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Electrification Program is set to provide financial and technical support to 21 Tribes. This assistance will enable the connection of homes to clean energy-powered transmission and distribution, provide electricity to unelectrified Tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems, transition electrified homes to zero-emissions energy systems, and facilitate home repairs and retrofitting for the installation of these systems. Moreover, the program will create opportunities for clean energy workforce development in Indian Country.
Support for clean energy Initiatives
During a visit to the Hopi Tribe in Arizona, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of providing reliable and affordable electricity to all homes. The program, funded through President Biden’s agenda, will aid Tribal communities in developing their electricity infrastructure and achieving clean energy goals.
Addressing Historical Disparities
Historical data reveals that Native American reservations have faced challenges in accessing electricity. A report from the Energy Information Administration in 2000 highlighted that 14% of households on these reservations lacked electricity. The Department of Energy’s 2022 report further indicated that 16,805 Tribal homes remained unelectrified, with a concentration in the Southwest and Alaska regions.
Advancing the Justice40 Initiative
The Tribal Electrification Program aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, emphasizing that 40% of federal investment benefits should flow to marginalized communities, including federally recognized Tribal Nations. This initiative aims to address underinvestment and pollution burdens faced by these communities.
Grant Recipients in 2024
| Tribe or Tribal Organization | Location |
| Kootznoowoo, Incorporated | |
| Chickaloon Native Village | |
| Hopi Utilities Corporation | |
| Navajo Tribal Utility Authority | Arizona, New Mexico and Utah |
| Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, Colusa Rancheria | |
| Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians | |
| Guidiville Rancheria of California | |
| Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation | |
| Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska | |
| Bois Forte Band of Chippewa | |
| Prairie Island Indian Community | |
| Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians | |
| Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority |
A second round of funding is anticipated in the spring of 2024.
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Read More of this Story at www.miragenews.com – 2024-03-05 18:14:00
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