| 3.23.22

Speeding up Energy Initiatives on Native American Lands (H.R. 1548)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 1548?

(Updated November 14, 2014)

H.R. 1548 — the Native American Energy Act — is designed to expedite energy development projects by removing regulations (including non-renewable ventures like fracking, coal mining, and petroleum extraction) on Native American lands.

The bill offers Native American groups more authority over leasing their land for the use of energy development. H.R. 1548 also amends the National Environmental Policy Act, so that the environmental impact statement for major federal action on Native American lands can only be reviewed by members of those local groups.

The bill also requires plaintiffs trying to stop energy projects to post a bond, making it more difficult to challenge non-renewable energy development on Native American lands.

Argument in favor

Removing restrictions on energy development will lead to more lucrative projects in the U.S. and thus boost the economy and livelihood of Native Americans, who have the right to lease and profit off their own land.

Argument opposed

The country should be focusing on renewable energy, not energy sources that will destroy the environment. In the long-term, this bill makes it easier to drill and harder to enforce renewable energy practices.

Impact

People living on energy rich Native American lands, the Navajo Nation, Alaska, non-renewable energy and other energy companies, and the Secretary of the Interior.

Cost of H.R. 1548

The CBO estimates that implementation of H.R, 1548 would cost $29 million over the 2014-2018 period.

Additional Info

In Depth:

Alaska is a key player in the U.S. oil scene; overall, it produces 15% to the country’s oil. And there’s more to be tapped on Native American soil. The idea behind H.R. 1548 is to scrap regulation that slows down energy production like oil extraction to boost energy reserves and in turn help Native American tribes reap the benefits.

11 organizations have lobbied on this bill. Highest contributions came from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Tanana Chiefs Conference. The League of Conservation Voters lobbied against the bill.