October 8, 2015

The Native American Energy Act (H.R. 538) passed the House of Representatives on October 8, 2015. Introduced by Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the bill seeks to reduce the federal regulations limiting tribal development of natural resources on Indian land.

The bill calls on the Department of the Interior to work with tribal nations to develop energy resources, such oil and gas, solar, and wind, and limits comments on proposed developments on Indian lands to members of the tribe, people living in the affected area, and governments. The bill exempts Indian lands from any Department of the Interior rules on hydraulic fracturing for oil or gas development unless the beneficiary of the land agrees to the rules, and would allow the Navajo Nation to enter into mineral lease without Interior's approval. 

Sources: eenews, congress.gov

Updated 11/11/2015