Today, the House passed H.R. 538, the Native American Energy Act with bipartisan support by a vote of 254-173.  Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) released the following statement:

“H.R. 538 seeks to correct the injustices done to tribal energy potential, which has suffered at the incompetent hands of federal bureaucracy. With the passage of the Native American Energy Act, the House of Representatives stands with Indian Country,” Chairman Bishop stated. “Unfortunately, it appears that partisanship and powerful special interests reign supreme as the Obama Administration has opposed this empowering legislation.”

“The Native American Energy Act is critically important to Native Americans because it encourages tribal energy development which will be a huge step towards self-determination for America’s tribes. The Judicial Review provisions are crucial for Alaska Natives, whose ability to develop their land claim settlement lands has been abused by special interest groups filing lawsuits from outside. These lands, given by this Congress to Alaska Natives, are now being interfered with by outside interest groups,” stated Rep. Young (R-AK).

The Native American Energy Act, introduced by Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Young addresses concerns Native Americans have brought to the attention of the Committee on Natural Resources through oversight hearings and outreach to tribal leaders. 

H.R. 538 is supported by the National Congress of American Indians; the Navajo Nation; the Southern Ute Indian Tribe; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation; the Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation; the Ute Indian Tribe; the Intertribal Timber Council; and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

Click here for the one-pager and here for more information on the legislation.

###