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Office of Indian Energy News
October 2, 2026
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Welcome to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE) monthly newsletter! In each issue, we share the latest Tribal energy news, funding, events, and opportunities. |
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DOE’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office Announces up to $58 Million to Promote Chemical
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Tommy Jones, Ph.D., Named IE External Affairs Manager
Tommy Jones, Ph.D., has been named IE External Affairs Manager, a critical role that will allow Jones to continue to expand the Office’s external engagement and communications. Jones—an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and Naknek Native Village, as well as a Native shareholder of Bristol Bay Native Corporation of Alaska—first worked with IE in 2014 as an intern at Sandia National Laboratories. Since then, he has worked on a wide range of projects that support the Office’s and DOE’s engagement with Tribes and currently serves as the staff lead on the Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG). Read more about his new role here.
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IE is committed to delivering affordable, reliable, and secure energy to Tribal communities by supporting tomorrow’s Tribal workforce through real-world, hands-on experience. The Office partners with Tribal entities, including Alaska Native Corporations and other organizations, to offer career development and training opportunities for future energy leaders and skilled workers, such as DOE internship and fellowship programs. The recently refreshed workforce development page is a one-stop shop for information about DOE programs to train next-generation Tribal energy leaders and workers. Visit the updated webpage here.
The U.S. is entering a new era of domestic critical minerals and materials development. DOE’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) recently launched a prize competition as part of DOE’s $100 million Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies (PROSPECT) initiative. The PROSPECT Planning Prize challenges U.S.-based academic institutions—including Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) with eligible mining engineering programs—to submit plans for novel programs aimed at substantially increasing the number of graduates and other credentialed professionals prepared for relevant mining and supply chain fields by the end of the 2028 calendar year. Visit the PROSPECT Planning Prize page to learn more and apply by October 5, .
The National Laboratory of the Rockies’ (NLR) Tribal Energy Capacity Expansion Prize—designed to support the role of Tribal Nations in energy decision-making processes—recently opened for Phase 1 submissions. Intended for Federally recognized Tribal entities and multi-Tribe collaborative teams, this $6 million, three-phase competition aims to increase resources and capabilities in sectors such as energy permitting, workforce development, and environmental compliance. Alaska Native Villages and regional and Village corporations are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about the prize and how to apply, follow the prize page on HeroX. Submissions are due by December 4, 2026. For a detailed overview and opportunity to ask questions about the prize, use the following links to register to attend an informational webinar on October 13, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.
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Open Funding, Technical Assistance, and Other Opportunities |
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Accepting Applications, Ongoing |
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Concept papers by October 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET |
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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October 15, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time
This webinar will focus on ways Tribes have overcome critical issues by integrating flexibility, planning, and education into their DOE projects. From complex supply chain and contractor landscapes to intuitive project management structure, these Tribes have expanded their capacity to ensure successful project results.
October 15–17, 2026
The three-day conference brings together Indigenous knowledge and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation with opportunities to build community and learn from others. Event programming supports the Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society’s (AISES) broader goal of substantially elevating the representation of Indigenous people in STEM studies and careers. Raymond RedCorn—Legislative and Tribal Affairs Specialist for DOE—will lead a panel discussion during the conference, titled “Careers Shaping the Tribal Energy Sector: From Innovation to Sovereign Impact.” Read more here.
October 18–22, 2026
This conference is the largest and longest-running annual gathering hosted by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). The event convenes Tribal Leaders, NCAI members, Federal partners, and others from across Indian Country to vote on critical resolutions that guide NCAI’s advocacy work, strategize for the future, and strengthen Nation-to-Nation relationships. The Marketplace features booths from Native artists, vendors, and exhibitors. Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum will provide keynote remarks on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
October 22, 2026, 1–2:30 p.m. MT
The Community Microgrid Information Exchange (C-MIX) launches its first webinar series designed to help remote and isolated communities explore how microgrids can improve energy access, reliability, and affordability. The monthly six-part series, funded by the DOE Office of Electricity, provides communities with practical tools to advance microgrid projects and strengthen local energy grids. The next webinar, “Procurement and Commissioning for Microgrids: Requirements, Testing, and Acceptance,” is October 22, 2026. The series continues through January 21, 2027.
The biennial Alaska Rural Energy Conference brings together community leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and other energy stakeholders to discuss the unique energy challenges and opportunities in rural communities. The conference allows attendees to learn about successful energy projects, explore strategies to strengthen energy utility performance, identify and understand funding opportunities, and connect with colleagues and other experts from across Alaska. Office of Indian Energy Director Mahroum will provide keynote remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
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Trending on Social Media
Interact with the Office of Indian Energy on social media. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
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Recently, Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum and then-DOE Tribal Affairs Specialist Tommy Jones (now IE External Affairs Manager) met with Laguna Pueblo Governor Harry A. Antonio Jr. and members of the Pueblo Laguna government to learn about the intersection of legacy uranium mining issues and future energy development, workforce opportunities, and Tribal priorities. They also discussed leveraging public-private partnerships—one of Director Mahroum’s priorities.
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