Tribal Landscapes and the Energy Transition: Approaches to Supporting Renewable Infrastructure Projects in Indigenous Communities

Payne Student Scholar Jocelyn Johnson writes about how renewable energy will be a crucial part of the United States’ response to climate change. Tribal lands are considered ideal locations for renewable infrastructure projects, but tribes cannot realize the full potential power generation on these lands without proper funding and educational opportunities, in addition to the willingness of the U.S. government and utility companies to relinquish some of their power.  This report explores the historical context of energy production on Indigenous lands and discusses how the United States can lead the way to recognizing tribal sovereignty and begin healing historic wounds inflicted by the fossil fuel industry during the energy transition.  March 10, 2021.