subject: Substantial Tribal Wealth Development with Alternative Energy [print this page] Substantial Tribal Wealth Development with Alternative Energy
By
Terrance H. Booth, Sr. Tsimshian Tribe
We see America's love affair with what is left of fossil fuel causing more damage than good. No pun intended; but, even feeble attempts to store fossil fuel in the ocean. Alaska Native and Native American Tribes should be moving forward on alternative energy projects with formation of Tribal Alternative Energy Parks. Why? By the year 2016 all of America will need 70% more electricity. Alaska Native and Native American Tribes already are taking advantage with funding from US Department of Energy with feasibility studies or have implemented alternative energy with solar and wind. What is available is every tribe across Indian Country; USA has Wind, Solar, Water and Biomass. Indian County, USA can take the lead on full development of alternative energy. The Pueblo of Jemez chose alternative energy over gaming.
"Indian tribes control more than 55 million acres of land across the nation, and those lands are capable of producing an estimated 535 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year from wind power, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Program. Solar has even greater promise, at 17 trillion kilowatt hours per year, or more than four times the amount of electricity generated annually in the US."
"Tribal lands have the potential to produce 17.6 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity a year from solar power, about 4.5 times the total amount of electricity generated in the US in 2004. The lands also are capable of producing an estimated 535 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year from wind power.
The Campo Kumeyaay Nation outside San Diego hosts the only wind farm on tribal land in the country. It plans to invest $60 million in a second one, securing 20 percent ownership. The tribe will acquire full ownership of both wind farms after 25 years of operation." http://indiancountrynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8284&Itemid=116
"Indian lands contain 10 percent of the clean energy resources in the United States, according to a new report that details how a lack of financing has kept the 564 recognized tribes from realizing this potential. But a hint of change may be in the air. ..The Bureau of Indian Affairs has identified 77 reservations that could support wind power growth. Other estimates say that wind blowing over tribal lands could provide a full 15 percent of America's power. Solar alone could deliver 4.5 times the total national energy generation, according to The National Renewable Energy Laboratory." http://solveclimate.com/blog/20100330/calls-increase-tap-renewable-energy-american-indian-lands
"Tribal lands make up only five percent of the United States' total land area, but represent enormous potential for the production of renewable energy. The 55 million acres of land across the nation controlled by Native American tribes can potentially produce an estimated 535 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity from wind power and more than 17 trillion kilowatt-hours from solar energy. These projections are equivalent to more than four times the amount of electricity generated annually in the United States, and represent new economic and employment opportunities for many Native American communities." http://beforeitsnews.com/story/82/333/Native_American_Tribal_Lands_Could_Produce_17.5_Trillion_Kilowatt_Hours_of_Electricity_From_Wind_and_Solar_Power.html
Dr. Roy McAlister, CEO/President, American Hydrogen Association, in his book titled "The Solar Hydrogen Civilization, writes: "Total U.S. energy demand is about 100 Quads per year about 100 X1015 BTU /yr. or 29,308, 323,563, 892 kWH/yr. Each state can contribute substantial amounts of renewable energy to overcome present dependence upon fossil fuels."
In area of population Arizona nearly doubled in size from 1990 to 2000. Who provides energy to these growing populated areas of America? Alaska Native and Native American Tribes can provide the growing demand for energy. This article shows the potential to establish Tribal Energy Parks for by year 2016 all of America will need 70% more electricity. By formation of energy parks it can and will provide substantial tribal wealth development.
*Energy production is fundamental to our quality of life and economic security," said Tony Dvorak, director of Argonne's Environmental Science division. "Despite being rich in renewable resource potential, many tribes struggle with poverty and soaring unemployment. This program helps develop renewable energy resources locally that can create jobs and revenue opportunities for tribal communities." http://beforeitsnews.com/story/82/333/Native_American_Tribal_Lands_Could_Produce_17.5_Trillion_Kilowatt_Hours_of_Electricity_From_Wind_and_Solar_Power.htmlDevelopment
Development of renewable energy would be a win-win
"With the country's current push towards energy independence, interest in renewable energy development is high," it concludes. "The infrastructure and revenue streams created by Tribally-owned renewable energy projects could help tribes achieve economic independence and strengthen community autonomy while helping to sustain natural resources for future generations." http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/8361/us-native-tribes-key-for-renewable-energy/
This writer knows that every tribe has solar, wind, water and biomass and it all can be converted into much needed energy. Tribes can take the lead in alternative energy since sun, water and other natural resources are part of tribal cultural events in tribal dances, songs and special tribal celebrations. We are already tuning into renewable resources it is just use it to the fullest and not only met our energy needs; but, the needs of our neighbors. It has with it jobs, professional development and in the long term it has potential to end poverty from our midst and replace it with substantial tribal wealth development.
Substantial Tribal Wealth Development with Alternative Energy
