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MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2002

Tribes in New Mexico and the energy industry are welcoming a national energy legislation bill proposed by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.).

Tribal leaders say the bill would encourage development by helping tribes develop their resources, both traditional like oil and gas an alternative like wind and solar. The industry believes the bill could eliminate bureaucratic hurdles on development by streamlining federal regulations.

Unlike a Republican-backed package that passed the House last year, Bingaman's bill does not include drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. While Inupiat Eskimos support development, the Gwich'in Nation opposes it.

In New Mexico, Indian lands represent just 3 percent of the state's production. The state is home to 19 pueblos, the Navajo Nation and two Apache tribes.

Get the Story:
Bingaman Energy Bill Would Help Tribes (The Albuquerque Journal 1/7)

Relevant Links:
Sen. Jeff Bingaman - http://bingaman.senate.gov