Pete Domenici: “I would be happy to, Mr. President. The managers recognized the large supply of energy resources existing on Indian…”

“I would be happy to, Mr. President. The managers recognized the large supply of energy resources existing on Indian lands, as well as the desire of many Tribes to increase access to those resources. The Indian Energy title is designed to provide economic development opportunities to Indian tribes by assisting and empowering them to develop and utilize tribal energy resources in a manner that meets the needs of Indian country and the Nation as a whole. The title will also continue and strengthen efforts to improve access to electricity for native people who are ten times more likely to be without such access than their counterparts residing outside of Indian reservations. Of particular note, is the creation of a new Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs within the Department of Energy that is dedicated to working with Indian tribes on energy development matters. The Title also creates a new program in section 503 related to energy leases, agreements, and rights-of-way on tribal lands that continues a policy of promoting tribal self-determination while preserving the trust relationship between Tribes and the Federal Government. The leases, agreements, and rights-of-way section preserves the full application of Federal environmental laws while authorizing eligible Tribes to approve individual energy projects without duplicative Federal approvals.…”