Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (October 8th, 2015) – Today the U.S. House passed with a bipartisan vote H.R.538: the Native American Energy Act. This legislation empowers tribes to develop more of their natural resources and loosens federal bureaucratic restrictions which are often duplicative and can add years of delay.

Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-at large), bill sponsor and caucus member Rep. Don Young (AK-at large), member Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-at large), and Crow Nation Chairman Darrin Old Coyote issued the following statements in response:

“Native American tribes should be able to decide for themselves on how best to pursue responsible energy production on their land, and this bill will help them overcome federal obstacles to doing so,” said Chairman Lummis. “Tribes love their lands, understand their communities, and deserve sovereignty over their natural resources.  The last thing they need is Washington and the courts standing between them and crucial economic opportunities.”

“The Native American Energy Act is critically important to Native Americans because it encourages tribal energy development which will be a huge step towards self determination for America’s tribes,” said Rep. Young. “The Judicial Review provisions are crucial for Alaska Natives, whose ability to develop their land claim settlement lands has been abused by special interest groups filing lawsuits from outside. These lands, given by this Congress to Alaska Natives, are now being interfered with by outside interest groups.”

“The federal government is actively hindering energy development on tribal lands, and that’s according to the federal government,” said Rep. Zinke. “Montana’s sovereign tribes have the right to develop and manage resources on their own land. What tribes are seeking for is what we are all asking for: economic opportunity, the ability to protect the environment, and create a better and more stable life for future generations. The federal government does not have the right to take away the sovereignty of these nations.”

"The Crow Nation is grateful to have a friend in Congressman Ryan Zinke,” said Chairman Darrin Old Coyote. “We support the Native American Energy Act because it gives tribes more control over the natural resources on our own lands, allowing us to create more good paying jobs and increase revenues for the community. Whether it’s coal, oil, or biomass, energy development is critical to the economic empowerment of tribes.”

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