Tribal nations seek new funding paths after federal clean energy cuts

According to Utility Dive, tribal nations pursuing clean energy projects are exploring alternative financing after the Trump administration rescinded federal grants tied to the Inflation Reduction Act, including the Solar for All program that had earmarked more than $500 million for tribal solar development. The Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition, which received more than $135 million in now-canceled funding, plans to use its existing project plans while seeking loans and philanthropy, Utility Dive reported.

Cody Two Bears, CEO of Indigenized Energy, was quoted as saying tribes now have “things teed up” to pursue new dollars. Chéri Smith, CEO of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, said lost federal funding has made large-scale projects harder to finance but that opportunities remain. Clara Pratte, founder of Navajo Power, said there is investor interest but that markets need better understanding of how tribes work, according to Utility Dive.