Embracing All Forms of Energy: A Call for Inclusive Energy Policies for Native Communities

From our viewpoint, energy policies for Native communities should prioritize sovereignty, economic independence, and practical choices.

Advocating for a balanced approach emphasizes the right of Native tribes to choose their energy resources, blending traditional and modern sources to foster independence and respect cultural values without being constrained by externally imposed clean energy mandates.

Overview of the Office of Indian Energy’s Approach

The Office of Indian Energy is pivotal in advancing energy initiatives within Native American communities. However, there’s a noticeable bias in its approach, favoring “clean” energy and often overlooking traditional and other vital energy sources that are crucial for the development and prosperity of Native communities.

The Sovereign Right to Energy Choices

Native American tribes possess the sovereign right to select their energy sources, including coal, natural gas, biofuel, fossil fuels, forest products (lumber), and even nuclear energy. These energy resources offer unique benefits and are essential in meeting the specific needs and goals of different tribes. For example, coal and natural gas can provide stable and significant energy supplies, crucial for industrial growth and energy security.

The Limitations of Clean Energy

While “clean” energy is praised for its environmental benefits, it’s essential to recognize that a significant portion of this technology is manufactured abroad, raising concerns about its efficiency, durability, and security. The predominance of foreign manufacturing, particularly in China’s solar panel industry (70%), and the low global recycling rates for solar panels and wind turbine blades highlight the need for a broader perspective on what constitutes “clean” energy.

The Need for Inclusive and Place-Based Policies

It’s critical to acknowledge that the definition of “clean energy” varies and should not restrict the autonomy of Native communities in determining their future energy needs. Policies must be inclusive, respecting Native Americans’ rights to access diverse energy resources aligned with our developmental and environmental objectives.

Embracing a Spectrum of Energy Resources

A shift towards more inclusive energy policies is necessary to ensure that foreign-manufactured “clean” energy does not overshadow other energy options that are more in tune with the needs and values of our Indigenous communities.

Such policies would support the sustainable development and prosperity of Native American tribes by embracing the full spectrum of energy resources.