The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the creation of the Tribal Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Working Group, managed by DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), which addresses DOE Tribal communities fossil concerns.
This group will support DOE in helping Tribes reduce carbon emissions and develop DOE Tribal communities fossil energy resources.
The initiative also fosters economic development, offers job training opportunities, and enhances technical skills within DOE Tribal communities fossil sectors.
Jennifer Granholm, the DOE Secretary of energy said, “The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes that energy is foundational to Tribal self-determination, and we are proud to have Tribal leadership in, and partnership with DOE’s efforts to expand clean energy development.”
She added, “Under the Biden-Harris administration, DOE has invested more money in Tribal clean energy projects than any administration and we are excited to build on this work with a new Working Group aimed at supporting Tribal capacity-building and investments in carbon management, methane mitigation and critical minerals that benefit DOE Tribal communities fossil initiatives.”
Also read: DOE Expands Voucher Program for Clean Energy Innovation
Empowering Tribes through Sustainable Energy Initiatives
The working group will commence its efforts with eight Tribes that either possess significant fossil energy assets or depend financially on them: the Jicarilla Apache, Crow Nation, Navajo Nation, Caddo Nation, Hopi Nation, and Southern Ute.
Additionally, the Arctic North Slope Iñupiat and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation will actively participate.
The group will provide technical support for carbon capture, methane mitigation, and repurposing energy facilities key to DOE Tribal communities fossil strategies.
Supporting DOE’s initiatives, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allocate over $13 billion for Tribal communities.
The Inflation Reduction Act will also designate $720 million to enhance Tribal climate resilience and energy solutions.
Also read: DOE Invests $500M in Clean Energy for Federal Facilities
The DOE will brief Tribal representatives on key priorities for the working group’s first meeting in 2025.
FECM’s mission encompasses minimising the environmental impact of fossil fuel use and advancing net-zero emissions throughout the economy by focusing on DOE Tribal communities fossil energy.
It focuses on key technology areas such as carbon capture storage, hydrogen production, methane reduction, and critical minerals.
