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Office of Indian Energy News
May 28, 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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Energy Department Announces More Than $11 Million To Expand America’s Energy Workforce, With $2.3 Million Exclusively for Tribal Colleges and Universities
 The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and IE recently announced up to $11.3 million in federal funding available to institutions of higher education, including up to $2.3 million exclusively for Tribal Colleges and Universities, to train the next generation of America’s energy workforce. The Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training initiative will facilitate the development of hands-on training and credentialling programs in skillsets supporting the production of natural gas, oil, coal, and geothermal energy by establishing regional academic–industry consortia.
TechWerx and DOE will host an informational webinar on May 13, 2026, and two office-hour sessions on June 3, 2026, and July 9, 2026, (all events 3–4 p.m. ET). Applications are due July 17, 2026.
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Up to $3.5 Million Available To Strengthen Microgrids in Remote Regions
 The Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership, led by DOE’s Office of Electricity, recently announced a new funding opportunity offering up to $2.5 million in direct project support and approximately $1 million in technical assistance to build or enhance microgrids serving remote or isolated communities, including Tribal communities. This funding opportunity will help energy providers and local governments improve microgrid systems that deliver affordable, reliable, and secure electricity in remote areas with high energy costs and poor grid reliability. Proposals are due by July 2, 2026.
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Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development: Frequently Asked Questions
IE supports Tribes looking for information about data center opportunities by providing assistance and resources. Our latest blog post details frequently asked questions from Tribal leaders and staff about data centers including siting, potential energy and jobs opportunities, and more. For more information about how IE supports Tribal data center planning, visit our Harnessing Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development webpage.
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IE Leadership Visits Santa Fe Indian School
On April 22, IE Director Eric Mahroum and Chief of Staff Joe Alexander visited the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico to learn about its unique history. While there, they viewed original artwork highlighting the richness of Pueblo culture, visited the greenhouse that holds native tree seedlings that contribute to reforestation activities, and toured the Cultural Arts and Language Department where singers and drummers performed a traditional song.
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Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group Meeting Held in Oklahoma City
Earlier this month in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, IE held an Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group meeting, providing a forum for candid dialogue, coordination, and identifying opportunities to better support Tribal energy priorities.
During the meeting, Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzales recognized visitors that had traveled significant distances by gifting blankets, including to Councilman Keolani Booth from the Metlakatla Indian Community in Alaska and Pi-Ta Pitt, the utility manager from the Pechanga Band Luiseño Indians in Temecula, California. Blankets are a traditional way of recognizing people for their significant contributions to Tribal communities.
See more in a new blog.
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IE Leadership Visits Osage Nation
Earlier this month, IE leadership and Tribal Affairs staff visited the Osage Nation to talk with Tribal leaders about energy priorities and shared values.
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Director Mahroum Speaks at the Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty Symposium
Earlier this month, IE Director Eric Mahroum spoke at the Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty symposium, held at the Laguna Pueblo. A significant supply of energy resources are located on or within 35 miles of Tribal lands:
- 30% of coal reserves
- 50% of potential uranium
- 20% of oil and gas reserves
- 75% of lithium, nickel, and copper reserves.
Fostering new partnership opportunities between Tribes and industry is an important priority for IE and collaborating with private industry can unlock significant American energy across Indian Country.
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Open Funding, Technical Assistance, and Other Opportunities |
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Cooperative
agreement grant |
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Notice of Funding Opportunity |
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Cooperative
agreement grant |
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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Sept. 14, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alaska Standard Time
Explore how Tribal communities are integrating energy efficiency measures into new and existing buildings to achieve cost and energy savings. Hear directly from two Tribes that have successfully implemented these kinds of measures across multiple facilities, gaining insights from their experiences and lessons learned. This webinar will cover various types of energy efficiency measures, aiding in the evaluation of their potential suitability for your Tribe's facilities.
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