Groundbreaking Event Unites Tribes for a Sustainable Future
On September 12th and 13th, 2024, the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Oklahoma hosted a groundbreaking Native Renewable Energy Symposium, bringing together 36 tribal nations from Oklahoma and surrounding states. The event, spearheaded by the Caddo Nation in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma and other partners, focused on deploying American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives, and available tax credits for renewable energy projects in Indian Country.
Collaboration at the Core: A Powerful Partnership for Change
The symposium, hosted by the Caddo Nation, SAKU, and the University of Oklahoma's RANGE project team, ICAST, and Native Nations Center, aimed to address the pressing issues of climate change and the transition to green energy in tribal communities. With the December 31, 2024 deadline to obligate ARPA dollars rapidly approaching, and the unprecedented opportunities provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the event provided a crucial platform for tribes to explore opportunities in renewable energy development.
Chairman's Vision: Strengthening Relationships and Sovereignty
Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez emphasized the importance of the symposium, stating, "The symposium is just only the beginning. The idea is to strengthen relationships in our local community, as well as within the state of Oklahoma, and to strengthen our government-to-government relations with our agencies that we work with that have a trust fiduciary responsibility to the tribes."
Federal Support: DOE Liaison Highlights Historic Opportunity
The event brought together a diverse group of speakers and experts, including Matthew Dannenberg, Senior Tribal Liaison with the U.S. Department of Energy. Dannenberg highlighted the historical significance of this moment for tribal nations, particularly in light of recent legislation.
"This is a truly historic time," Dannenberg said. "Through the Biden administration, we have mechanisms and opportunities that, frankly, we haven't had as a nation before to help transform the energy system. The Inflation Reduction Act, alongside ARPA funds, provides unprecedented support for renewable energy projects in Indian Country. I think energy is the biggest opportunity since gaming. So it's not only good for our environment, but it's good for economic development. It's good for our jobs, for our people."
Renewable Revolution: Exploring Diverse Energy Solutions
The symposium covered a wide range of renewable energy topics, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Participants learned about the challenges and financial strategies concerning ARPA and IRA compliance requirements and eligible uses for successful renewable energy projects in Indian Country.
Caddo Nation's Solar Ambitions: A Model for Indian Country
Zackeree Kelin, Vice Chairman of the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority, highlighted the tribe's efforts in renewable energy: "We are investing in our infrastructure through solar development and developing a solar developing company in cooperation with 820 that has potential to have an enormous impact in Indian country. The combination of ARPA funds and IRA incentives is allowing us to accelerate our renewable energy initiatives."
Bridging the Gap: From Oil and Gas to Green Energy
JC Wharton, a 47-year veteran of the energy industry and native Oklahoman, underscored the importance of the symposium in the context of the ongoing energy transition: "We must take what has brought us to where we are today with the oil and gas industry and begin the transition to a green economy and reshape Oklahoma's rural and Native American communities. The Inflation Reduction Act provides a roadmap for this transition, and it's crucial that tribal nations take full advantage of these opportunities."
University Commitment: OU's Pledge to Sustainable Solutions
The University of Oklahoma's Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Tomas Diaz De La Rubia, opened the second day of the symposium with a stark reminder of the urgency of climate action and the opportunities presented by recent legislation: "We live in a world that is threatened significantly by a changing climate, that change in the climate is not abating. It's only increasing, it's only growing. Fortunately, through the ARPA and the Inflation Reduction Act, we have mechanisms and opportunities to help transform the energy system. How do we leverage those opportunities from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, from the Inflation Reduction Act, opportunities derived from the COVID pandemic still today, opportunities within the state of Oklahoma?"
Saku: A New Dawn for Solar Energy in Indian Country
The event also highlighted the launch of Saku, a joint venture between the Caddo Nation and 820, a solar company from Oklahoma City. Saku, which means "sun" in the Caddo language, is designed to address the specific needs of Indian country in solar energy development, leveraging both ARPA funds and IRA incentives.
Zackeree Kelin explained: "Saku is a portal for Indian country to marshal all of those resources and meet tribal needs. It's the architects, the engineers, the technical expertise, the grant writing, all of it is within the package of Saku, and we can bring real solutions to Indian country and solar. We're particularly excited about how we can use the Inflation Reduction Act's incentives to make these projects more accessible and affordable for tribes."
Race Against Time: Maximizing ARPA and IRA Opportunities
As the December 31, 2024 deadline for ARPA fund allocation approaches, and with the long-term incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the symposium provided crucial information and resources for tribes to take advantage of this historic opportunity. The event not only focused on the technical aspects of renewable energy but also emphasized the broader impacts on tribal sovereignty, economic development, and community resilience.
Practical Steps: Navigating the Path to Renewable Energy
Matthew Dannenberg offered practical advice for tribes looking to enter the renewable energy sector: "Step number one, we got tribes' back, right? So you start off by reaching out to the Department of Energy. We have technical assistance that's free for tribes through our Office of Indian Energy. We can help you navigate both the ARPA funds and the IRA incentives to maximize your renewable energy projects."
A New Chapter in Tribal Sustainability
As the first of what is hoped to be an annual event, the Native Renewable Energy Symposium marks a significant step forward in tribal nations' efforts to combat climate change, achieve energy sovereignty, and build sustainable economies. The collaborative spirit and wealth of knowledge shared at the event, combined with the unprecedented opportunities provided by ARPA and the Inflation Reduction Act, promise to drive positive change in Indian Country and beyond, setting a powerful example for sustainable development in the face of global environmental challenges.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Dedicated Team and Participants
The success of the Native Renewable Energy Symposium would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of many individuals and organizations. The Caddo Nation would like to extend a special thank you to Roberta Carson and Candace Keahbone of the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority for their exceptional work in coordinating the conference. Their dedication and attention to detail were instrumental in bringing this visionary event to fruition.
We also want to express our deepest gratitude to all the tribal nations that were in attendance. Your participation, insights, and commitment to a sustainable future for Indian Country were truly inspiring. The spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that permeated the symposium is a testament to the strength and resilience of our Native communities.
We appreciation everyone who had a hand in helping make this symposium a reality. From the presenters and panelists who shared their expertise, to the staff and volunteers who ensured the smooth running of the event, to our partners at the University of Oklahoma and other supporting organizations – your contributions were invaluable.
The symposium's success is a reflection of the collective effort and shared vision of all involved. As we move forward in our journey toward renewable energy and environmental stewardship, we carry with us the knowledge, connections, and inspiration gained from these two remarkable days.
Chairman Bobby Gonzalez remarked, "The coming together of so many tribes, experts, and supporters for this cause gives me great hope for our future. This symposium has shown what we can achieve when we unite our efforts and resources. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a landmark moment in our pursuit of energy sovereignty and environmental responsibility."
As we look to the future and the potential for this symposium to become an annual event, we're reminded that the path to sustainable energy in Indian Country is one we walk together. The relationships forged and strengthened here will be crucial as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead, leveraging ARPA funds and Inflation Reduction Act incentives to build a greener, more resilient future for all our communities.
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