SC Alaska News

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report in response to a request from U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The report examines the Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Financing Program (TEFP), which is designed to support Tribes with loans and loan guarantees for energy projects.

The GAO found that several factors are limiting the effectiveness and accessibility of the TEFP. High and unpredictable costs for Tribes, unclear guidance from the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO), and a lack of Tribal expertise at LPO were identified as major issues affecting the program's use.

Senator Murkowski commented on the findings: “The DOE’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program was designed to help Tribes pursue energy independence and economic development. Unfortunately, high upfront costs, confusing processes, and a lack of Tribal-specific input have limited the program’s reach, making it difficult, if not impossible, for Tribes to navigate. That’s why I asked the GAO to take a close look at the program and suggest commonsense improvements,” said Chairman Murkowski. “Alaska Native villages, and Tribal communities across the U.S., face a unique set of energy challenges that require diverse solutions. I appreciate the GAO for recognizing the potential of this program and for addressing my request to ensure it effectively addresses the obstacles faced by underserved Tribal communities – just as the program was intended. I anticipate the recommendations from this report will be important to our discussions in our committee hearing next week on Indian energy.”

In response to these findings, GAO issued recommendations aimed at improving how TEFP serves tribal communities.

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will address these issues further in an upcoming hearing titled “Unleashing Indian Energy – Examining Federal Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy.” The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET. It will be webcast live on the Committee’s website with archived video available after its conclusion. Witness testimony will also be accessible online when each hearing begins.