Minnesota Tribes to Receive $1.4 Million for Clean Electricity

In a significant step toward bridging the infrastructure gap in Native American communities, U.S. Senators Tina Smith, and Amy Klobuchar, both Democrats from Minnesota, announced la total of $1.4 million in federal grants aimed at providing clean electricity to tribal homes in Minnesota. The funding, part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which both senators supported, will benefit the Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Lake Nation, and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.

Senator Tina Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, emphasized the historical context of the funding, noting, “For generations, Native communities have been hurt by underinvestment and underfunding of basic infrastructure. Our transition to a clean energy economy can’t leave Indian Country behind. This funding gets us closer to ensuring every household in Minnesota, including on Tribal lands, has access to clean electricity.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of clean energy infrastructure improvements for Tribal communities and their role in securing the power grid and transitioning to renewable energy sources. “This federal grant will deliver critical clean energy infrastructure improvements,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Investments into clean electricity are vital for securing the power grid in Tribal communities and bolstering the transition to renewable energy.”

Prairie Island Tribal Council President Grant Johnson shared his community’s aspirations, stating, “This investment in Indian Country and, specifically, the Prairie Island Indian Community, will literally help create a brighter future for our people. Achieving energy sovereignty while eliminating or offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions on Prairie Island is the goal of our net zero program. This grant will allow us to make electrification improvements to our members’ home and involve them more directly in our efforts to change our energy narrative and achieve our net zero goal.”

Bois Forte Band Chairwoman Cathy Chavers expressed gratitude for the support from the Biden-Harris Administration, emphasizing the project’s potential to bring reliable and affordable renewable energy to Tribal members and create future employment opportunities in clean energy operations.

Red Lake Nation Chairman Darrell Seki outlined the community’s plan to utilize the funds for increasing the reliability of the electric power grid, reducing the environmental footprint through clean energy, lowering clean energy costs for vulnerable families, and building a workforce skilled in clean power and energy conservation.

“The funds from the Tribal Electrification Program will help the Red Lake community develop a robust planning process to coordinate energy improvements over the next five years including the following priorities: 1. Increase the reliability of the electric power grid on the reservation, 2. Reduce the environmental footprint of the community through clean energy deployment, 3. Reduce the cost of clean energy especially for those families who are most vulnerable to power shutoff and energy poverty, and 4. Grow a core group of clean power and energy conservation practitioners in the community,” said Red Lake Nation Chairman Darrell Seki.

The Tribal Electrification Program, which provided these grants, not only offers financial assistance but also technical support to help Tribes secure funding for clean energy projects. This initiative also aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40 percent of the benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities, including federally recognized Tribal Nations.

The grants are a part of broader efforts to address the disproportionate lack of access to electricity in Native American households compared to the national average. By focusing on clean energy, these projects aim to improve living conditions on tribal lands, contribute to the fight against climate change, and move towards energy sovereignty for these communities.