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Office of Indian Energy News
April 30, 2026
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Welcome to the monthly Office of Indian Energy newsletter! In each issue, we share the latest Tribal energy news, funding, events, and opportunities. |
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Director Mahroum Gives Keynote at Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Energy Summit
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At the Tribal Energy Summit in Houston, Texas, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy (IE) Director Eric Mahroum provided the keynote remarks focused on the importance of leveraging shared values to unleash American energy that aligns with Tribal energy goals. Director Mahroum spoke about the key role Tribes play in the golden age of American energy.
In addition, Elisah VandenBussche represented IE as the moderator of the “Outlook and Opportunities – Data Centers” panel discussion.
The summit brought together Tribal Nations, energy industry leaders, and federal partners to learn about federal priorities that support the future of energy development in Indian Country.
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2026 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
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DOE’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office, formerly known as the Bioenergy Technologies Office, and the National Laboratory of the Rockies are launching the 2026 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance Program for state, local, and Tribal governments. The scope of this year’s program has been expanded to include additional municipal solid waste materials such as electronics, industrial wastewater, and other byproducts.
The 2026 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance application portal is now open and applications will be accepted through May 30, 2026.
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Office of Indian Energy Director Gives Featured Remarks at U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Energy Summit
On Tuesday, April 21, IE Director Mahroum joined the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Energy Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to talk about how the Trump Administration and DOE are supporting Tribal Nations by leveraging opportunities through shared value.
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Meet our Team: Dan Kaim
Get to know Dan Kaim, IE’s Notice of Funding Opportunity Manager.
“The projects our office supports allow Tribes to take the first steps,” said Kaim.
Learn about Dan’s experience with Tribal energy projects and his work with our office in a new Meet the Team blog.
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IE Staff Out and About: Fossil Energy Tribal Working Group
IE leadership and staff recently participated in a Fossil Energy Tribal Working Group meeting, joining DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and Tribal Leaders from across Indian Country. Learn more about the working group in a recent blog.
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IE Staff Out and About: Reservation Economic Summit
IE staff and leadership attended the 2026 Reservation Economic Summit in March where they networked with more than 4,800 participants representing Tribal leaders and staff, top Tribal business leaders, and more at the key economic development event in Indian Country. IE Director Mahroum participated in a fireside chat with National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development Board Chairman Derrick Watchman and IE staff Elisah VandenBussche moderated a panel on data centers. View photos and learn more in a recent blog.
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Director Mahroum Meets With the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Located an hour and a half north of Houston in the Big Thicket, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is one of only three federally recognized Tribes in Texas. Earlier this month, IE Director Mahroum had the opportunity to meet with the Tribal leadership to discuss their energy priorities and learn more about their rich history and culture.
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IE Staff Out and About: Alaska Infrastructure Development & Grant Symposium
Earlier this month, two IE team members were able to attend the Alaska Infrastructure Development Symposium held in Anchorage. With one traveling by air all the way from Washington, D.C. and the other traveling just across the city, these team members experience Alaska’s distinct geography, climate, and infrastructure realities from two different perspectives. Read more in a recent blog.
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Open Funding, Technical Assistance, and Other Opportunities |
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Cooperative
Agreement Grant |
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Cooperative
Agreement Grant |
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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May 14, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. AKT
Discover how microgrid projects are revolutionizing energy independence in three Tribal communities by showcasing advanced grid expansion and local power generation solutions that electrify essential buildings and significantly reduce costs. Learn how these initiatives are enhancing resource security and fostering economic growth for remote communities.
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May 19-20, 2026 | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Join IE Director Mahroum and staff at the Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty Symposium. Director Mahroum will provide remarks on May 20. The two-day event aims to honor historical impact while engaging in forward-looking conversations on energy sovereignty, critical minerals, infrastructure, and the essential work of reclamation, land restoration, and the healing of both land and community.
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