On March 27, 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs announced up to $15 million in new funding to deploy energy technology on tribal lands. Individual awards may range from $50,000 to $2 million, with a minimum 50 percent cost share required, and DOE anticipates making approximately 6 to 12 awards.

Among eligible projects include energy efficiency measures, converting to solar power or other renewable or conventional energy sources, and battery storage or other backup power to increase tribal resiliency during utility outages.

Godfrey & Kahn has assisted tribes and tribal entities with the preparation of renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy-efficient housing and related grant applications that have resulted in total awards of more than $15 million. We have also assisted tribes in packaging federal grants with other grants and tax incentives, including the federal tax credit for renewable energy projects, state and/or utility grants, New Market Tax Credits or other private funding to drive down the cost of energy-related projects. Often, these efforts result in the construction of projects without upfront capital costs.

For more information about Godfrey & Kahn’s energy-related Indian country experience, or a free consultation, contact Energy Strategies and Indian Nations Practice Group leader John Clancy 414.287.9256 or jclancy@gklaw.com or leader Brian Pierson at 414.287.9456 or bpierson@gklaw.com.