US DOE, Tribes Form Working Group on Carbon Capture, Clean Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established a new Tribal Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Working Group to collaborate with eight federally recognized Tribes. The DOE said in a media release that the working group will provide advice and expertise to the DOE on the best ways to assist Tribal decarbonization efforts and the utilization of Tribal natural resources.

“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”, said Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm.

The DOE has established a total of four working groups to collaborate with Tribes. Initially, eight federally recognized Tribes with significant fossil energy resources will participate, including the Jicarilla Apache, Crow Nation, Navajo Nation, Caddo Nation, Hopi Nation, Southern Ute, Arctic North Slope Iñupiat, and Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. The DOE expects more Tribes to join the group in the future.  

The initial focus of the working group will be on technical assistance and capacity building to help Tribes leverage funding opportunities related to carbon capture, methane mitigation, critical minerals, and the repurposing of retired fossil fuel infrastructure.

The FECM plans to hold virtual information sessions to prepare Tribal representatives for the first formal meeting of the working group in 2025.

“The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation is deeply honored to have hosted DOE and the forum participants for a site visit to our MHA Native Green Grow and Bakken operations”, said Chairman Mark N. Fox.

“The Caddo Nation is honored to join the FECM Tribal Working Group and participate in this vital initiative”, said Chairman Bobby Gonzalez. “As stewards of our land and resources, we recognize the importance of addressing methane emissions and are exploring new opportunities for mitigation. Our Nation is particularly excited to work with FECM and other partners such as Oklahoma University along with engineers chemists and industry leaders on innovative solutions like converting methane to hydrogen, which aligns with our long-term energy goals and our commitment to sustainable development and lower emissions. These discussions within [the] FECM Tribal Working Group will not only benefit our Nation but also help Indian Country and the broader Oklahoma community as we look toward a cleaner, more resilient future”.

“The Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope is eager to participate in the Tribal Working Group in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management”, said Director of Natural Resources Doreen Leavitt. “As stewards of the vast oil and gas resources on the Alaskan North Slope, we are committed to managing these resources in a way that honors our land and our people, while ensuring the well-being of future generations. We look forward to working together with FECM to explore sustainable practices that balance economic development with environmental protection so that our communities can thrive for years to come”.

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