Senate Indian Affairs Committee discussed Barrasso’s bipartisan “Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2011”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks.
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing, Vice-Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) spoke in favor of his “Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2011” (S. 1684).
S. 1864 was introduced by Barrasso in the 112th Congress. The bill will give Indian tribes more tools to develop their energy resources and remove unnecessary barriers to economic development.
Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks at today’s hearing:
“As I have stated in the past, when I meet with leaders of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes, I am reminded how important energy development is to Indian communities across the country.
“On the Wind River Reservation, energy development means jobs. Energy development on the Wind River Reservation also means income for families, it means paying the heating bill, it means food on the tables.
“For years, Indian tribes have expressed concerns about the numerous Federal laws and regulations governing the management of trust and energy resources. These rules often create significant delays and uncertainty in development proposals.
“For these reasons, I introduced S.1684, the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2011.
“I would like to highlight some of its more important provisions.
“First, this legislation is intended to make the ‘Tribal Energy Resource Agreement’—or ‘TERA’ process easier for Indian tribes to follow. It will also make TERAs more predictable.
“Since passage of the Indian Energy Title of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, it appears that no tribe has yet availed itself of the authorized TERA process.
“Under my legislation, a tribe’s Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) would automatically go into effect after 270 days unless the Secretary determines that its terms do not meet the specific statutory requirements.
“Second, S.1684 would allow tribal entities to enter into certain energy development leases without the approval by the Secretary. These entities could have non-tribal investors but the tribe would have to be the majority equity owner and retain control at all times.
“Third, this Act provides the Indian tribes with some funding to implement the TERA process, without increasing the cost of the program. The amount would be equal to any savings the United States realizes as a result of the Indian tribe carrying out the TERA.
“For far too long, bureaucratic red tape has prevented the pursuit of tribal economic development opportunities, especially energy development.
“This legislation will reverse that trend.”
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