Speeding up Energy Initiatives on Native American Lands (H.R. 538)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 538?
(Updated October 8, 2017)
The Native American Energy Act is designed to expedite energy development projects and mineral extraction on Native American lands by removing regulation requirements. Those energy projects could include non-renewable ventures like fracking, coal mining, and petroleum extraction.
This bill would require the Dept. of the Interior (DOI) to act on energy project requests within 30 days. Tribes would be able to waive this requirement for appraisals of an energy project request under special circumstances.
After environmental impact statements are drawn up for energy projects, this bill would limit review and commenting to members of the tribe and people who live in the area.
Native American groups would be granted more authority over leasing their land for the use of energy development. This bill would authorize the Navajo Nation to enter into commercial and agricultural leases for up to 99 years. The Navajo Nation could also enter into mineral resource leases without the DOI’s approval for 25 years. All of the profits from those leases would go straight to tribal owners or tribal governments.
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 tribal groups, 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. 538
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 is responsible for 7 percent of the country’s crude oil. And there’s more to be tapped on tribal-owned soil. Supporters of this bill hope that it can scrap regulations that slow down energy production. With less red tape and more oil extraction and boosted energy reserves, supporters hope this bill will help 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.
Media:
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Sponsoring Rep. Don Young (AK-R)
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CBO Cost Estimate
- House Committee on Natural Resources (In Favor)
- Testimony Mike Black Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Previous Bill Version)
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Enerknol
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