Collapse to view only § 3501. Definitions
- § 3501. Definitions
- § 3502. Indian tribal energy resource development
- § 3503. Indian tribal energy resource regulation
- § 3504. Leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way involving energy development or transmission
- § 3505. Federal power marketing administrations
- § 3506. Wind and hydropower feasibility study
- § 3507. Appraisals
§ 3501. DefinitionsIn this chapter:
(1) The term “Director” means the Director of the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Department of Energy.
(2) The term “Indian land” means—
(A) any land located within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria;
(B) any land not located within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria, the title to which is held—
(i) in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian tribe or an individual Indian;
(ii) by an Indian tribe or an individual Indian, subject to restriction against alienation under laws of the United States; or
(iii) by a dependent Indian community;
(C) land that is owned by an Indian tribe and was conveyed by the United States to a Native Corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), or that was conveyed by the United States to a Native Corporation in exchange for such land;
(D) any land located in a census tract in which the majority of residents are Natives (as defined in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(b))); and
(E) any land located in a census tract in which the majority of residents are persons who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe or village.
(3) The term “Indian reservation” includes—
(A) an Indian reservation in existence in any State or States as of August 8, 2005;
(B) a public domain Indian allotment; and
(C) a dependent Indian community located within the borders of the United States, regardless of whether the community is located—
(i) on original or acquired territory of the community; or
(ii) within or outside the boundaries of any State or States.
(4)
(A) The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).1
1 See References in Text note below.
(B) For the purpose of paragraph (12) and sections 3503(b)(1)(C) and 3504 of this title, the term “Indian tribe” does not include any Native Corporation.
(5) The term “integration of energy resources” means any project or activity that promotes the location and operation of a facility (including any pipeline, gathering system, transportation system or facility, or electric transmission or distribution facility) on or near Indian land to process, refine, generate electricity from, or otherwise develop energy resources on, Indian land.
(6) The term “Native Corporation” has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).
(7) The term “organization” means a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, or other unincorporated association or entity that is established to develop Indian energy resources.
(8) The term “Program” means the Indian energy resource development program established under section 3502(a) of this title.
(9) The term “qualified Indian tribe” means an Indian tribe that has—
(A) carried out a contract or compact under title I or IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) for a period of not less than 3 consecutive years ending on the date on which the Indian tribe submits the application without material audit exception (or without any material audit exceptions that were not corrected within the 3-year period) relating to the management of tribal land or natural resources; or
(B) substantial experience in the administration, review, or evaluation of energy resource leases or agreements or has otherwise substantially participated in the administration, management, or development of energy resources located on the tribal land of the Indian tribe.
(10) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.
(11) The term “sequestration” means the long-term separation, isolation, or removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, including through a biological or geologic method such as reforestation or an underground reservoir.
(12) The term “tribal energy development organization” means—
(A) any enterprise, partnership, consortium, corporation, or other type of business organization that is engaged in the development of energy resources and is wholly owned by an Indian tribe (including an organization incorporated pursuant to section 5124 of this title or section 5203 of this title); and
(B) any organization of two or more entities, at least one of which is an Indian tribe, that has the written consent of the governing bodies of all Indian tribes participating in the organization to apply for a grant, loan, or other assistance under section 3502 of this title or to enter into a lease or business agreement with, or acquire a right-of-way from, an Indian tribe pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) or (b)(2)(B) of section 3504 of this title.
(13) The term “tribal land” means any land or interests in land owned by any Indian tribe, title to which is held in trust by the United States, or is subject to a restriction against alienation under laws of the United States.
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2601, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 764; amended Pub. L. 115–325, title I, § 105(a), Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4455; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title VIII, § 8013(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2592.)
§ 3502. Indian tribal energy resource development
(a) Department of the Interior program
(1) To assist Indian tribes in the development of energy resources and further the goal of Indian self-determination, the Secretary shall establish and implement an Indian energy resource development program to assist consenting Indian tribes and tribal energy development organizations in achieving the purposes of this chapter.
(2) In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall—
(A) provide development grants to Indian tribes and tribal energy development organizations for use in developing or obtaining the managerial and technical capacity needed to develop energy resources on Indian land, and to properly account for resulting energy production and revenues;
(B) provide grants to Indian tribes and tribal energy development organizations for use in carrying out projects to promote the integration of energy resources, and to process, use, or develop those energy resources, on Indian land;
(C) provide low-interest loans to Indian tribes and tribal energy development organizations for use in the promotion of energy resource development on Indian land and integration of energy resources;
(D) provide grants and technical assistance to an appropriate tribal environmental organization, as determined by the Secretary, that represents multiple Indian tribes to establish a national resource center to develop tribal capacity to establish and carry out tribal environmental programs in support of energy-related programs and activities under this chapter, including—
(i) training programs for tribal environmental officials, program managers, and other governmental representatives;
(ii) the development of model environmental policies and tribal laws, including tribal environmental review codes, and the creation and maintenance of a clearinghouse of best environmental management practices; and
(iii) recommended standards for reviewing the implementation of tribal environmental laws and policies within tribal judicial or other tribal appeals systems; and
(E) consult with each applicable Indian tribe before adopting or approving a well spacing program or plan applicable to the energy resources of that Indian tribe or the members of that Indian tribe.
(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2016.
(4)Planning.—
(A)In general.—In carrying out the program established by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide technical assistance to interested Indian tribes to develop energy plans, including—
(i) plans for electrification;
(ii) plans for oil and gas permitting, renewable energy permitting, energy efficiency, electricity generation, transmission planning, water planning, and other planning relating to energy issues;
(iii) plans for the development of energy resources and to ensure the protection of natural, historic, and cultural resources; and
(iv) any other plans that would assist an Indian tribe in the development or use of energy resources.
(B)Cooperation.—In establishing the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall work in cooperation with the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs of the Department of Energy.
(b) Department of Energy Indian energy education planning and management assistance program
(1) The Director shall establish programs to assist consenting Indian tribes in meeting energy education, research and development, planning, and management needs.
(2) In carrying out this subsection, the Director may provide grants, on a competitive basis, to an Indian tribe, intertribal organization, or tribal energy development organization for use in carrying out—
(A) energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation programs;
(B) studies and other activities supporting tribal acquisitions of energy supplies, services, and facilities, including the creation of tribal utilities to assist in securing electricity to promote electrification of homes and businesses on Indian land;
(C) activities to increase the capacity of Indian tribes to manage energy development and energy efficiency programs;
(D) planning, construction, development, operation, maintenance, and improvement of tribal electrical generation, transmission, and distribution facilities located on Indian land; and
(E) development, construction, and interconnection of electric power transmission facilities located on Indian land with other electric transmission facilities.
(3)Technical and scientific resources.—In addition to providing grants to Indian tribes under this subsection, the Secretary shall collaborate with the Directors of the National Laboratories in making the full array of technical and scientific resources of the Department of Energy available for tribal energy activities and projects.
(4)
(A) The Director shall develop a program to support and implement research projects that provide Indian tribes with opportunities to participate in carbon sequestration practices on Indian land, including—
(i) geologic sequestration;
(ii) forest sequestration;
(iii) agricultural sequestration; and
(iv) any other sequestration opportunities the Director considers to be appropriate.
(B) The activities carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) coordinated with other carbon sequestration research and development programs conducted by the Secretary of Energy;
(ii) conducted to determine methods consistent with existing standardized measurement protocols to account and report the quantity of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases sequestered in projects that may be implemented on Indian land; and
(iii) reviewed periodically to collect and distribute to Indian tribes information on carbon sequestration practices that will increase the sequestration of carbon without threatening the social and economic well-being of Indian tribes.
(5)
(A) The Director, in consultation with Indian tribes, may develop a formula for providing grants under this subsection.
(B) In providing a grant under this subsection, the Director shall give priority to any application received from an Indian tribe with inadequate electric service (as determined by the Director).
(C) In providing a grant under this subsection for an activity to provide, or expand the provision of, electricity on Indian land, the Director shall encourage cooperative arrangements between Indian tribes and utilities that provide service to Indian tribes, as the Director determines to be appropriate.
(D) The Secretary of Energy may reduce any applicable cost share required of an Indian tribe, intertribal organization, or tribal energy development organization in order to receive a grant under this subsection to not less than 10 percent if the Indian tribe, intertribal organization, or tribal energy development organization meets criteria developed by the Secretary of Energy, including financial need.
(E)Section 16352 of title 42 shall not apply to assistance provided under this subsection.
(6) The Secretary of Energy may issue such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this subsection.
(7) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
(c) Department of Energy loan guarantee program
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (4), the Secretary of Energy may provide loan guarantees (as defined in section 661a of title 2, except that a loan guarantee may guarantee any debt obligation of a non-Federal borrower to any Eligible Lender (as defined in section 609.2 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations)) for the unpaid principal and interest due on any loan made to an Indian tribe or a tribal energy development organization for energy development.
(2) In providing a loan guarantee under this subsection for an activity to provide, or expand the provision of, electricity on Indian land, the Secretary of Energy shall encourage cooperative arrangements between Indian tribes and utilities that provide service to Indian tribes, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(3) A loan guaranteed under this subsection shall be made by—
(A) a financial institution subject to examination by the Secretary of Energy;
(B) an Indian tribe, from funds of the Indian tribe; or
(C) a tribal energy development organization, from funds of the tribal energy development organization.
(4) The aggregate outstanding amount guaranteed by the Secretary of Energy at any time under this subsection shall not exceed $20,000,000,000.
(5) Not later than 1 year after December 18, 2018, the Secretary of Energy shall issue such regulations as the Secretary of Energy determines are necessary to carry out this subsection.
(6) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection, to remain available until expended.
(7) Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a report on the financing requirements of Indian tribes for energy development on Indian land.
(d) Preference
(1) In purchasing electricity or any other energy product or byproduct, a Federal agency or department may give preference to an energy and resource production enterprise, partnership, consortium, corporation, or other type of business organization the majority of the interest in which is owned and controlled by 1 or more Indian tribes.
(2) In carrying out this subsection, a Federal agency or department shall not—
(A) pay more than the prevailing market price for an energy product or byproduct; or
(B) obtain less than prevailing market terms and conditions.
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2602, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 765; amended Pub. L. 115–325, title I, §§ 101, 104, 105(b), Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4445, 4455, 4456; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title VIII, § 8013(b), (c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2592, 2593; Pub. L. 117–169, title V, § 50145(b), Aug. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 2046.)
§ 3503. Indian tribal energy resource regulation
(a) Grants
(b) Use of fundsFunds from a grant provided under this section may be used—
(1)
(A) by an Indian tribe for the development of a tribal energy resource inventory or tribal energy resource on Indian land;
(B) by an Indian tribe for the development of a feasibility study or other report necessary to the development of energy resources on Indian land;
(C) by an Indian tribe (other than an Indian Tribe in the State of Alaska, except the Metlakatla Indian Community) for—
(i) the development and enforcement of tribal laws (including regulations) relating to tribal energy resource development; and
(ii) the development of technical infrastructure to protect the environment under applicable law; or
(D) by a Native Corporation for the development and implementation of corporate policies and the development of technical infrastructure to protect the environment under applicable law; and
(2) by an Indian tribe for the training of employees that—
(A) are engaged in the development of energy resources on Indian land; or
(B) are responsible for protecting the environment.
(c) Other assistance
(1) In carrying out the obligations of the United States under this chapter, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable and to the extent of available resources, that on the request of an Indian tribe or a tribal energy development organization, the Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization shall have available scientific and technical information and expertise, for use in the regulation, development, and management of energy resources of the Indian tribe on Indian land.
(2) The Secretary may carry out paragraph (1)—
(A) directly, through the use of Federal officials; or
(B) indirectly, by providing financial assistance to an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization to secure independent assistance.
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2603, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 768; amended Pub. L. 115–325, title I, § 102, Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4447.)
§ 3504. Leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way involving energy development or transmission
(a) Leases and business agreementsIn accordance with this section—
(1) an Indian tribe may, at the discretion of the Indian tribe, enter into a lease or business agreement for the purpose of energy resource development on tribal land, including a lease or business agreement for—
(A) exploration for, extraction of, processing of, or other development of the energy mineral resources of the Indian tribe located on tribal land;
(B) construction or operation of—
(i) an electric production, generation, transmission, or distribution facility (including a facility that produces electricity from renewable energy resources) located on tribal land; or
(ii) a facility to process or refine energy resources, at least a portion of which have been developed on or produced from tribal land; or
(C) pooling, unitization, or communitization of the energy mineral resources of the Indian tribe located on tribal land with any other energy mineral resource (including energy mineral resources owned by the Indian tribe or an individual Indian in fee, trust, or restricted status or by any other persons or entities) if the owner, or, if appropriate, lessee, of the resources has consented or consents to the pooling, unitization, or communitization of the other resources under any lease or agreement; and
(2) a lease or business agreement described in paragraph (1) shall not require review by, or the approval of, the Secretary under section 81 of this title, or any other provision of law (including regulations), if the lease or business agreement—
(A) was executed—
(i) in accordance with the requirements of a tribal energy resource agreement in effect under subsection (e) (including the periodic review and evaluation of the activities of the Indian tribe under the agreement, to be conducted pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E) of subsection (e)(2)); or
(ii) by the Indian tribe and a tribal energy development organization for which the Indian tribe has obtained a certification pursuant to subsection (h); and
(B) has a term that does not exceed—
(i) 30 years; or
(ii) in the case of a lease for the production of oil resources, gas resources, or both, 10 years and as long thereafter as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities.
(b) Rights-of-wayAn Indian tribe may grant a right-of-way over tribal land without review or approval by the Secretary if the right-of-way—
(1) serves—
(A) an electric production, generation, transmission, or distribution facility (including a facility that produces electricity from renewable energy resources) located on tribal land;
(B) a facility located on tribal land that extracts, produces, processes, or refines energy resources; or
(C) the purposes, or facilitates in carrying out the purposes, of any lease or agreement entered into for energy resource development on tribal land;
(2) was executed—
(A) in accordance with the requirements of a tribal energy resource agreement in effect under subsection (e) (including the periodic review and evaluation of the activities of the Indian tribe under the agreement, to be conducted pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E) of subsection (e)(2)); or
(B) by the Indian tribe and a tribal energy development organization for which the Indian tribe has obtained a certification pursuant to subsection (h); and
(3) has a term that does not exceed 30 years.
(c) Renewals
(d) Validity
(e) Tribal energy resource agreements
(1)In general.—
(A)Authorization.—On or after December 18, 2018, a qualified Indian tribe may submit to the Secretary a tribal energy resource agreement governing leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way under this section.
(B)Notice of complete proposed agreement.—Not later than 60 days after the date on which the tribal energy resource agreement is submitted under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—
(i) notify the Indian tribe as to whether the agreement is complete or incomplete;
(ii) if the agreement is incomplete, notify the Indian tribe of what information or documentation is needed to complete the submission; and
(iii) identify and notify the Indian tribe of the financial assistance, if any, to be provided by the Secretary to the Indian tribe to assist in the implementation of the tribal energy resource agreement, including the environmental review of individual projects.
(C)Effect.—Nothing in this paragraph precludes the Secretary from providing any financial assistance at any time to the Indian tribe to assist in the implementation of the tribal energy resource agreement.
(2)Procedure.—
(A)Effective date.—
(i)In general.—On the date that is 271 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a tribal energy resource agreement from a qualified Indian tribe under paragraph (1), the tribal energy resource agreement shall take effect, unless the Secretary disapproves the tribal energy resource agreement under subparagraph (B).
(ii)Revised tribal energy resource agreement.—On the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a revised tribal energy resource agreement from a qualified Indian tribe under paragraph (4)(B), the revised tribal energy resource agreement shall take effect, unless the Secretary disapproves the revised tribal energy resource agreement under subparagraph (B).
(B)Disapproval.—The Secretary shall disapprove a tribal energy resource agreement submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) or (4)(B) only if—
(i) a provision of the tribal energy resource agreement violates applicable Federal law (including regulations) or a treaty applicable to the Indian tribe;
(ii) the tribal energy resource agreement does not include one or more provisions required under subparagraph (D); or
(iii) the tribal energy resource agreement does not include provisions that, with respect to any lease, business agreement, or right-of-way to which the tribal energy resource agreement applies—(I) address amendments and renewals;(II) address the economic return to the Indian tribe under leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way;(III) establish requirements for environmental review in accordance with subparagraph (C);(IV) ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws, including a requirement that each lease, business agreement, and right-of-way state that the lessee, operator, or right-of-way grantee shall comply with all such laws;(V) provide for public notification of final approvals;(VI) establish a process for consultation with any affected States regarding off-reservation impacts, if any, identified under subparagraph (C)(i);(VII) describe the remedies for breach of the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way;(VIII) require each lease, business agreement, and right-of-way to include a statement that, if any of its provisions violates an express term or requirement of the tribal energy resource agreement pursuant to which the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way was executed—(aa) the provision shall be null and void; and(bb) if the Secretary determines the provision to be material, the Secretary may suspend or rescind the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way or take other appropriate action that the Secretary determines to be in the best interest of the Indian tribe;(IX) require each lease, business agreement, and right-of-way to provide that it will become effective on the date on which a copy of the executed lease, business agreement, or right-of-way is delivered to the Secretary in accordance with regulations promulgated under paragraph (8);(X) include citations to tribal laws, regulations, or procedures, if any, that set out tribal remedies that must be exhausted before a petition may be submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (7)(B);(XI) in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the Secretary under paragraph (8), require that the Indian tribe, as soon as practicable after receipt of a notice by the Indian tribe, give written notice to the Secretary of—(aa) any breach or other violation by another party of any provision in a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way entered into under the tribal energy resource agreement; and(bb) any activity or occurrence under a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way that constitutes a violation of Federal environmental laws;(XII) include a certification by the Indian tribe that the Indian tribe has—(aa) carried out a contract or compact under title I or IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) for a period of not less than 3 consecutive years ending on the date on which the Indian tribe submits the application without material audit exception (or without any material audit exceptions that were not corrected within the 3-year period) relating to the management of tribal land or natural resources; or(bb) substantial experience in the administration, review, or evaluation of energy resource leases or agreements or has otherwise substantially participated in the administration, management, or development of energy resources located on the tribal land of the Indian tribe; and(XIII) at the option of the Indian tribe, identify which functions, if any, authorizing any operational or development activities pursuant to a lease, right-of-way, or business agreement approved by the Indian tribe, that the Indian tribe intends to conduct.
(C) Tribal energy resource agreements submitted under paragraph (1) shall establish, and include provisions to ensure compliance with, an environmental review process that, with respect to a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this section, provides for, at a minimum—
(i) a process for ensuring that—(I) the public is informed of, and has reasonable opportunity to comment on, any significant environmental impacts of the proposed action; and(II) the Indian tribe provides responses to relevant and substantive public comments on any impacts described in subclause (I) before the Indian tribe approves the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way;
(ii) a process for ensuring that—(I) the public is informed of, and has an opportunity to comment on, the environmental impacts of the proposed action; and(II) responses to relevant and substantive comments are provided, before tribal approval of the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way;
(iii) sufficient administrative support and technical capability to carry out the environmental review process; and
(iv) oversight by the Indian tribe of energy development activities by any other party under any lease, business agreement, or right-of-way entered into pursuant to the tribal energy resource agreement, to determine whether the activities are in compliance with the tribal energy resource agreement and applicable Federal environmental laws.
(D) A tribal energy resource agreement between the Secretary and an Indian tribe under this subsection shall include—
(i) provisions requiring the Secretary to conduct a periodic review and evaluation to monitor the performance of the activities of the Indian tribe associated with the development of energy resources under the tribal energy resource agreement; and
(ii) if a periodic review and evaluation, or an investigation, by the Secretary of any breach or violation described in a notice provided by the Indian tribe to the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (B)(iv)(XI),1
1 So in original. Probably should be “subparagraph (B)(iii)(XI)”.
results in a finding by the Secretary of imminent jeopardy to a physical trust asset arising from a violation of the tribal energy resource agreement or applicable Federal laws, provisions authorizing the Secretary to take actions determined by the Secretary to be necessary to protect the asset, including reassumption of responsibility for activities associated with the development of energy resources on tribal land until the violation and any condition that caused the jeopardy are corrected.(E) Periodic review and evaluation under subparagraph (D) shall be conducted on an annual basis, except that, after the third annual review and evaluation, the Secretary and the Indian tribe may mutually agree to amend the tribal energy resource agreement to authorize the review and evaluation under subparagraph (D) to be conducted once every 2 years.
(F)Effective period.—A tribal energy resource agreement that takes effect pursuant to this subsection shall remain in effect to the extent any provision of the tribal energy resource agreement is consistent with applicable Federal law (including regulations), unless the tribal energy resource agreement is—
(i) rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (7)(D)(iii)(II); or
(ii) voluntarily rescinded by the Indian tribe pursuant to the regulations promulgated under paragraph (8)(B) (or successor regulations).
(3)Notice and comment; secretarial review.—The Secretary shall provide notice and opportunity for public comment on tribal energy resource agreements submitted under paragraph (1). The Secretary’s review of a tribal energy resource agreement shall be limited to activities specified by the provisions of the tribal energy resource agreement.
(4)Action in case of disapproval.—If the Secretary disapproves a tribal energy resource agreement submitted by an Indian tribe under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, not later than 10 days after the date of disapproval, provide the Indian tribe with—
(A) a detailed, written explanation of—
(i) each reason for the disapproval; and
(ii) the revisions or changes to the tribal energy resource agreement necessary to address each reason; and
(B) an opportunity to revise and resubmit the tribal energy resource agreement.
(5)Provision of documents to secretary.—If an Indian tribe executes a lease or business agreement, or grants a right-of-way, in accordance with a tribal energy resource agreement in effect under this subsection, the Indian tribe shall, in accordance with the process and requirements under regulations promulgated under paragraph (8), provide to the Secretary—
(A) a copy of the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way document (including all amendments to and renewals of the document); and
(B) in the case of a tribal energy resource agreement or a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way that permits payments to be made directly to the Indian tribe, information and documentation of those payments sufficient to enable the Secretary to discharge the trust responsibility of the United States to enforce the terms of, and protect the rights of the Indian tribe under, the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way.
(6)Secretarial obligations and effect of section.—
(A) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall—
(i) act in accordance with the trust responsibility of the United States relating to mineral and other trust resources; and
(ii) act in good faith and in the best interests of the Indian tribes.
(B) Subject only to the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (b), and (c) waiving the requirement of Secretarial approval of leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way executed pursuant to tribal energy resource agreements in effect under this section, and the provisions of subparagraphs (C) and (D), nothing in this section shall absolve the United States from any responsibility to Indians or Indian tribes, including, but not limited to, those which derive from the trust relationship or from any treaties, statutes, and other laws of the United States, Executive orders, or agreements between the United States and any Indian tribe.
(C) The Secretary shall continue to fulfill the trust obligation of the United States to perform the obligations of the Secretary under this section and to ensure that the rights and interests of an Indian tribe are protected if—
(i) any other party to a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way violates any applicable Federal law or the terms of any lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this section; or
(ii) any provision in a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way violates the tribal energy resource agreement pursuant to which the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way was executed.
(D)
(i) In this subparagraph, the term “negotiated term” means any term or provision that is negotiated by an Indian tribe and any other party to a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way entered into pursuant to a tribal energy resource agreement in effect under this section.
(ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the United States shall not be liable to any party (including any Indian tribe) for any negotiated term of, or any loss resulting from the negotiated terms of, a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way executed pursuant to and in accordance with a tribal energy resource agreement in effect under paragraph (2).
(iii) Nothing in this section absolves, limits, or otherwise affects the liability, if any, of the United States for any—(I) term of any lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this section that is not a negotiated term; or(II) losses that are not the result of a negotiated term, including losses resulting from the failure of the Secretary to perform an obligation of the Secretary under this section.
(7)Petitions by interested parties.—
(A) In this paragraph, the term “interested party” means any person (including an entity) that the Secretary determines has demonstrated with substantial evidence that an interest of the person has sustained, or will sustain, an adverse environmental impact as a result of the failure of an Indian tribe to comply with a tribal energy resource agreement of the Indian tribe in effect under paragraph (2).
(B) After exhaustion of all remedies (if any) provided under the laws of the Indian tribe, and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary under paragraph (8), an interested party may submit to the Secretary a petition to review the compliance by an Indian tribe with a tribal energy resource agreement of the Indian tribe in effect under paragraph (2).
(C)
(i) Not later than 20 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a petition under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall—(I) provide to the Indian tribe a copy of the petition; and(II) consult with the Indian tribe regarding any noncompliance alleged in the petition.
(ii) Not later than 45 days after the date on which a consultation under clause (i)(II) takes place, the Indian tribe shall respond to any claim made in a petition under subparagraph (B).
(iii) The Secretary shall act in accordance with subparagraphs (D) and (E) only if the Indian tribe—(I) denies, or fails to respond to, each claim made in the petition within the period described in clause (ii); or(II) fails, refuses, or is unable to cure or otherwise resolve each claim made in the petition within a reasonable period, as determined by the Secretary, after the expiration of the period described in clause (ii).
(D)
(i) Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a petition under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall determine—(I) whether the petitioner is an interested party; and(II) if the petitioner is an interested party, whether the Indian tribe is not in compliance with the tribal energy resource agreement as alleged in the petition.
(ii) The Secretary may adopt procedures under paragraph (8) authorizing an extension of time, not to exceed 120 days, for making the determinations under clause (i) in any case in which the Secretary determines that additional time is necessary to evaluate the allegations of the petition.
(iii) Subject to subparagraph (E), if the Secretary determines that the Indian tribe is not in compliance with the tribal energy resource agreement pursuant to clause (i), the Secretary shall only take such action as the Secretary determines necessary to address the claims of noncompliance made in the petition, including—(I) temporarily suspending any activity under a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this section until the Indian tribe is in compliance with the tribal energy resource agreement; or(II) rescinding all or part of the tribal energy resource agreement, and if all of the agreement is rescinded, reassuming the responsibility for approval of any future leases, business agreements, or rights-of-way described in subsection (a)(2)(A)(i) or (b)(2)(A).
(E) Before taking an action described in subparagraph (D)(iii), the Secretary shall—
(i) make a written determination that describes, with respect to each claim made in the petition, how the tribal energy resource agreement has been violated;
(ii) provide the Indian tribe with a written notice of the violations together with the written determination; and
(iii) before taking any action described in subparagraph (D)(iii) or seeking any other remedy, provide the Indian tribe with a hearing and a reasonable opportunity to attain compliance with the tribal energy resource agreement.
(F) An Indian tribe described in subparagraph (E) shall retain all rights to appeal under any regulation promulgated by the Secretary.
(G) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, the Secretary shall dismiss any petition from an interested party that has agreed with the Indian tribe to a resolution of the claims presented in the petition of that party.
(8) Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations that implement this subsection, including—
(A) a process and requirements in accordance with which an Indian tribe may—
(i) voluntarily rescind a tribal energy resource agreement approved by the Secretary under this subsection;
(ii) return to the Secretary the responsibility to approve any future lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and
(iii) amend an approved tribal energy resource agreement to assume authority for approving leases, business agreements, or rights-of-way for development of another energy resource that is not included in an approved tribal energy resource agreement without being required to apply for a new tribal energy resource agreement;
(B) provisions establishing the scope of, and procedures for, the periodic review and evaluation described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (2), including provisions for review of transactions, reports, site inspections, and any other review activities the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and
(C) provisions describing final agency actions after exhaustion of administrative appeals from determinations of the Secretary under paragraph (7).
(9)Effect.—Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary to deny a tribal energy resource agreement or any amendment to a tribal energy resource agreement, or to limit the effect or implementation of this section, due to lack of promulgated regulations.
(f) No effect on other lawNothing in this section affects the application of—
(1) any Federal environmental law;
(2) the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.); or
(3) except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 (25 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.).
(g) Financial assistance in lieu of activities by the Secretary
(1) In general
(2) Annual funding agreements
(3) Effect of appropriationsNotwithstanding paragraph (1)—
(A) the provision of amounts to an Indian tribe under this subsection is subject to the availability of appropriations; and
(B) the Secretary shall not be required to reduce amounts for programs, functions, services, or activities that serve any other Indian tribe to make amounts available to an Indian tribe under this subsection.
(4) Determination
(A) In general
(B) ApplicabilityThe effective date or implementation of a tribal energy resource agreement under this section shall not be delayed or otherwise affected by—
(i) a delay in the promulgation of regulations under section 103(b) of the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2017;
(ii) the period of time needed by the Secretary to make the calculation required under paragraph (1); or
(iii) the adoption of a funding agreement under paragraph (2).
(h) Certification of tribal energy development organization
(1) In general
(2) RequirementsThe Secretary shall approve an application for certification if—
(A)
(i) the Indian tribe has carried out a contract or compact under title I or IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); and
(ii) for a period of not less than 3 consecutive years ending on the date on which the Indian tribe submits the application, the contract or compact—(I) has been carried out by the Indian tribe without material audit exceptions (or without any material audit exceptions that were not corrected within the 3-year period); and(II) has included programs or activities relating to the management of tribal land; and
(B)
(i) the tribal energy development organization is organized under the laws of the Indian tribe;
(ii)(I) the majority of the interest in the tribal energy development organization is owned and controlled by the Indian tribe (or the Indian tribe and one or more other Indian tribes) the tribal land of which is being developed; and(II) the organizing document of the tribal energy development organization requires that the Indian tribe with jurisdiction over the land maintain at all times the controlling interest in the tribal energy development organization;
(iii) the organizing document of the tribal energy development organization requires that the Indian tribe (or the Indian tribe and one or more other Indian tribes) the tribal land of which is being developed own and control at all times a majority of the interest in the tribal energy development organization; and
(iv) the organizing document of the tribal energy development organization includes a statement that the organization shall be subject to the jurisdiction, laws, and authority of the Indian tribe.
(3) Action by SecretaryIf the Secretary approves an application for certification pursuant to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, not more than 10 days after making the determination—
(A) issue a certification stating that—
(i) the tribal energy development organization is organized under the laws of the Indian tribe and subject to the jurisdiction, laws, and authority of the Indian tribe;
(ii) the majority of the interest in the tribal energy development organization is owned and controlled by the Indian tribe (or the Indian tribe and one or more other Indian tribes) the tribal land of which is being developed;
(iii) the organizing document of the tribal energy development organization requires that the Indian tribe with jurisdiction over the land maintain at all times the controlling interest in the tribal energy development organization;
(iv) the organizing document of the tribal energy development organization requires that the Indian tribe (or the Indian tribe and one or more other Indian tribes the tribal land of which is being developed) own and control at all times a majority of the interest in the tribal energy development organization; and
(v) the certification is issued pursuant this subsection;
(B) deliver a copy of the certification to the Indian tribe; and
(C) publish the certification in the Federal Register.
(i) Sovereign immunity
(j) Authorization of appropriations
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2604, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 769; amended Pub. L. 115–325, title I, §§ 103(a), 105(d), Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4447, 4456.)
§ 3505. Federal power marketing administrations
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration and the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration.
(2) The term “power marketing administration” means—
(A) the Bonneville Power Administration;
(B) the Western Area Power Administration; and
(C) any other power administration the power allocation of which is used by or for the benefit of an Indian tribe located in the service area of the administration.
(b) Encouragement of Indian tribal energy development
(c) Action by AdministratorsIn carrying out this section, in accordance with laws in existence on August 8, 2005—
(1) each Administrator shall consider the unique relationship that exists between the United States and Indian tribes;
(2) power allocations from the Western Area Power Administration to Indian tribes may be used to meet firming and reserve needs of Indian-owned energy projects on Indian land;
(3) the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration may purchase non-federally generated power from Indian tribes to meet the firming and reserve requirements of the Western Area Power Administration; and
(4) each Administrator shall not—
(A) pay more than the prevailing market price for an energy product; or
(B) obtain less than prevailing market terms and conditions.
(d) Assistance for transmission system use
(1) An Administrator may provide technical assistance to Indian tribes seeking to use the high-voltage transmission system for delivery of electric power.
(2) The costs of technical assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be funded—
(A) by the Secretary of Energy using nonreimbursable funds appropriated for that purpose; or
(B) by any appropriate Indian tribe.
(e) Power allocation studyNot later than 2 years after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a report that—
(1) describes the use by Indian tribes of Federal power allocations of the power marketing administration (or power sold by the Southwestern Power Administration) to or for the benefit of Indian tribes in a service area of the power marketing administration; and
(2) identifies—
(A) the quantity of power allocated to, or used for the benefit of, Indian tribes by the Western Area Power Administration;
(B) the quantity of power sold to Indian tribes by any other power marketing administration; and
(C) barriers that impede tribal access to and use of Federal power, including an assessment of opportunities to remove those barriers and improve the ability of power marketing administrations to deliver Federal power.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2605, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 776.)
§ 3506. Wind and hydropower feasibility study
(a) Study
(b) Scope of studyThe study shall—
(1) determine the economic and engineering feasibility of blending wind energy and hydropower generated from the Missouri River dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, including an assessment of the costs and benefits of blending wind energy and hydropower compared to current sources used for firming power to the Western Area Power Administration;
(2) review historical and projected requirements for, patterns of availability and use of, and reasons for historical patterns concerning the availability of firming power;
(3) assess the wind energy resource potential on tribal land and projected cost savings through a blend of wind and hydropower over a 30-year period;
(4) determine seasonal capacity needs and associated transmission upgrades for integration of tribal wind generation and identify costs associated with these activities;
(5) include an independent tribal engineer and a Western Area Power Administration customer representative as study team members; and
(6) incorporate, to the extent appropriate, the results of the Dakotas Wind Transmission study prepared by the Western Area Power Administration.
(c) ReportNot later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary, and the Secretary of the Army shall submit to Congress a report that describes the results of the study, including—
(1) an analysis and comparison of the potential energy cost or benefits to the customers of the Western Area Power Administration through the use of combined wind and hydropower;
(2) an economic and engineering evaluation of whether a combined wind and hydropower system can reduce reservoir fluctuation, enhance efficient and reliable energy production, and provide Missouri River management flexibility;
(3) if found feasible, recommendations for a demonstration project to be carried out by the Western Area Power Administration, in partnership with an Indian tribal government or tribal energy development organization, and Western Area Power Administration customers to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of using wind energy produced on Indian land to supply firming energy to the Western Area Power Administration; and
(4) an identification of—
(A) the economic and environmental costs of, or benefits to be realized through, a Federal-tribal-customer partnership; and
(B) the manner in which a Federal-tribal-customer partnership could contribute to the energy security of the United States.
(d) Funding
(1) Authorization of appropriations
(2) Nonreimbursability
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2606, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 777; amended Pub. L. 115–325, title I, § 105(c), Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4456.)
§ 3507. Appraisals
(a) In general
For any transaction that requires approval of the Secretary and involves mineral or energy resources held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian tribe or by an Indian tribe subject to Federal restrictions against alienation, any appraisal relating to fair market value of those resources required to be prepared under applicable law may be prepared by—
(1) the Secretary;
(2) the affected Indian tribe; or
(3) a certified, third-party appraiser pursuant to a contract with the Indian tribe.
(b) Secretarial review and approval
Not later than 45 days after the date on which the Secretary receives an appraisal prepared by or for an Indian tribe under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
(1) review the appraisal; and
(2) approve the appraisal unless the Secretary determines that the appraisal fails to meet the standards set forth in regulations promulgated under subsection (d).
(c) Notice of disapproval
If the Secretary determines that an appraisal submitted for approval under subsection (b) should be disapproved, the Secretary shall give written notice of the disapproval to the Indian tribe and a description of—
(1) each reason for the disapproval; and
(2) how the appraisal should be corrected or otherwise cured to meet the applicable standards set forth in the regulations promulgated under subsection (d).
(d) Regulations
(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXVI, § 2607, as added Pub. L. 115–325, title II, § 204(a), Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4463.)