SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Senator Brian Schatz, Vice Chairman, led an oversight hearing to review federal programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that serve Tribal communities. The session focused on ways to improve these initiatives so they better support Tribal nations in managing and developing their energy resources.

During the hearing, Murkowski highlighted ongoing challenges for Tribal communities regarding energy access and affordability. She noted that while DOE’s Office of Indian Energy has backed some successful projects—such as helping fund hydrokinetic devices and energy storage in Igiugig, Alaska—systemic issues persist. “Tribal communities have long faced significant barriers to energy access and affordability, despite possessing vast untapped energy resources. Federal programs like the DOE’s Office of Indian Energy have supported some successful projects – such as in Igiugig, Alaska, where they helped fund the installation of two hydrokinetic devices and energy storage technology; however, bureaucratic hurdles, high costs, and other systematic issues remain a challenge,” said Chairman Murkowski. “I hope that the insights and feedback from today’s hearing will help us better ensure that Tribes are poised to take advantage of their resources, build more resilient, cost-effective energy systems, and develop a mutually beneficial relationship with this administration to unleash American energy.”

Schatz discussed recent legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Indian country’s control over its energy future but expressed concerns about setbacks caused by recent policy changes. “Last Congress we made historic, bipartisan investments in Indian country’s energy future and its ability to determine that future for itself – whether through non-renewable or renewable sources. We made progress, but over the objection of Native communities and their industry partners, legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Trump administration’s actions are resulting in rescission of millions in key funding for energy-neutral projects at the Department of Energy” said Vice Chairman Schatz. “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we started to move past the status quo, but it feels like we’re not even returning to that old mark, and actually going backwards.”

The hearing included testimony from various witnesses addressing these topics.

A video recording of the full oversight hearing is available online.

The committee is accepting written testimony until September 24.