The
Senate Indian Affairs
Committee last Thursday approved
S.1684,
the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of
2011.
The
National
Energy Policy Act of 2005 created a voluntary program aimed at speeding up
development in Indian Country. Participating tribes can submit resource plans to
the
Interior Department in order
to gain quick approval of business deals, leases, rights-of-way and other types
of energy agreements.
However, the situation hasn't changed much. Since 2005, no tribe has
actually submitted a tribal energy resource agreement, or TERA, for federal
approval. S.1684 clarifies the process to encourage participation.
“In Indian Country, energy development means jobs. For far too long, bureaucratic red tape has prevented the pursuit of tribal economic development opportunities, especially energy development,"
Sen. John Barrasso
(R-Wyoming), the vice chairman of the committee, said in a
press release.
This legislation will reverse that trend by removing road blocks and streamlining the process under current law.”
There is currently no companion version in the
House.
Get the Story:
Indian energy bill, introduced by Wyoming senator, heads to Senate
(The Casper Star-Tribune 9/20)
Committee Notices:
BUSINESS
MEETING to consider the following: S.675, S.1345, S.1684 (September 13,
2012)
Related Stories:
SCIA to consider three bills before
land-into-trust hearing (9/13)
Audio: Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on energy
(4/19)
Senate Indian Affairs
Committee hearing on energy bill (4/18)
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