I want to underscore again using my State as an example, Alaska Native peoples as an example of why it is so imperative that we improve tribal energy development.

So as you are working to advance this program, please understand that the reason they are allowing consortia in NTIA and through IHS is because this is what works.

We are approaching April. This is the time of year we start hearing from our communities saying we have run out.

But we also have things like batteries out there, things that we really don't want to have sitting out there.

Speaking about refining the procedures, of course you are familiar with the, in Alaska, the tribal consortia, and how they really are able to harness economies of scale.

Know that again what we want to do is get to a long-term solution to that program.

If you have greater resources, it would seem to me reasonable that this would certainly free that up. Would you not agree?

Fourteen percent, about 14 percent of households in Indian Country don't have electricity.

Alaska is really the first line of defense for our nation up there.

So when they hear me coming to them and saying, we have tribal energy programs, we have a way to help you, believe me, they are interested.

But when it is our own systems that effectively hold them back, that is not fair to anybody.

Well, know that we're paying close attention to Coast Guard.

But we also have things like batteries out there, things that we really don't want to have sitting out there.

Well, know that we're paying close attention to Coast Guard.

Most Native communities in Alaska still are relying on diesel fuel and heating oil.

I know that Senator Shaheen spoke with you about H2Bs.

One of the challenges that we have in Alaska, just as it is difficult to get things in, you have to fly barrels of fuel in at the end of winter, it is equally difficult to get things out.

So when they hear me coming to them and saying, we have tribal energy programs, we have a way to help you, believe me, they are interested.