Indian Energy Development: Additional Actions by Federal Agencies Are Needed to Overcome Factors Hindering Development
Abstract
Indian tribes and their members hold considerable energy resources and may use these resources to provide economic benefits and improve the well-being of their communities. However, GAO and others have found that Indian energy development is hindered by several factors, such as a complex regulatory framework, BIA workforce challenges, and limited access to energy markets. Tribes and their members determine how to use their energy resources. In doing so, they work with multiple federal agencies with various roles in the development processincluding a regulatory role, a role as provider of technical and financial assistance, or as a purchaser of energy. GAO was asked to evaluate issues related to Indian energy development. This report examines, among other things, (1) federal efforts to help overcome factors that hinderdevelopment, (2) BIAs efforts to address workforce challenges, and (3) federal efforts to implement a preference authority to purchase energy from tribes. GAO analyzed federal data and documents and interviewed tribal and federal officials. GAO is making 10 recommendations, including that the Secretary of the Interior identify resources and a funding model for the Energy Subgroup, involve other agencies in the Service Center so it is a single point of contact for the regulatory process, and require BIA to undertake workforce planning activities. GAO is also recommending that the Administrator of the GSA develop implementing guidance relating to purchasing energy from tribes. Interior, DOE, and GSA concurred with GAOs recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1169875
Entities
People
- Alison Oneill
- Christine Kehr
- Cindy Gilbert
- Daniel Purdy
- Frank W. Rusco
- Jay Spaan
- Patricia Chen
- Patrick Bernard
- Richard Burkard
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office