Interior approves first tribal energy resource agreement
The agreement gives the Southern Ute Indian Tribe expanded authority to manage energy development on tribal lands without case-by-case federal approval
The Department of the Interior approved its first tribal energy resource agreement, expanding the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s authority to manage energy development on its lands, according to an Interior Department announcement. The agreement allows the tribe to enter into and manage energy-related leases, rights-of-way and business agreements without obtaining federal approval for each individual action, reducing processing delays and federal oversight.
According to the Interior Department, tribal energy resource agreements are intended to support tribal self-determination and economic development through increased tribal management of energy resources. The department said the opportunity for tribes to enter into the agreements has existed since 2008, but this marks the first approval issued by the federal government. Interior officials also said the department plans to continue outreach and listening sessions with tribes to streamline future applications for similar agreements.
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