What We Do
Through our programmatic pillars, we support Tribal self-determination and Tribally-led decision-making, positioning Tribes as leaders in the renewable energy transition and fostering a future that is both culturally grounded and sustainable.
Energy Deployment
The Energy Deployment Program provides Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with curated tools, knowledge, and resources to help shape their own energy futures. By supporting Tribally-led, decentralized energy solutions, we help Tribal Nations design, implement, and manage energy systems that reflect their cultural values and long-term sustainability goals. Our work strengthens Tribal autonomy from external utilities, reduces energy costs, and builds resilient infrastructure to serve both present and future generations.
Program Outcomes:
Increased Tribal Control Over Energy Systems – Tribes gain additional expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory influence to manage their own clean energy projects.
Enhanced Energy Resilience – Reliable energy access is ensured through microgrid development and storage capacity expansion.
Lowered Energy Costs – Households and Tribal facilities save money through renewable energy generation and efficiency measures.
Reduced Environmental and Public Health Impacts – Deployment of renewable energy projects decreases greenhouse gas emissions and fosters climate resilience.
Job Creation and Economic Growth – Renewable energy initiatives stimulate local employment, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
Bettered Understanding of Energy Systems and the Energy Sector - Tribes and Indigenous people gaining stronger technical knowledge of energy systems and projects to inform their energy decisions.
Tribal Capacity Building
Many Tribal Nations face considerable barriers to energy development, such as limited technical staff, complex regulatory environments, and inadequate access to funding. The Tribal Capacity Building Program addresses these challenges by providing Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with the legal, technical, and financial resources necessary to successfully manage, implement, and sustain clean energy projects.
Sovereign Energy supports Tribes by offering strategic guidance, technical resources, and valuable connections to industry partners. Our goal is to equip Tribal Nations with the expertise and tools required to lead and sustain their own energy projects, building long-term capacity and resilience in the clean energy sector.
Program Outcomes
Increased Tribal Access to Legal, Technical, and Financial Expertise – Tribes are connected with trusted professionals and support systems for energy development.
Stronger Access to Funding and Project Readiness – More Tribes successfully secure financing and technical assistance for clean energy initiatives.
Greater Tribal Representation in Energy Policy and Governance – Tribes are actively engaged in decision-making processes that impact their energy sovereignty.
Long-Term Energy Self-Sufficiency – Tribes develop the infrastructure and governance systems needed to sustain and expand their clean energy efforts.
Policy & Regulatory Advocacy
Federal and state policies significantly impact Tribal sovereignty, cultural resource protection, and economic self-sufficiency. Yet, systemic barriers often prevent Tribal Nations from fully participating in energy policy discussions. The Policy and Regulatory Advocacy Program helps to strengthen Southwest Pueblos and Tribes’ voices in developing and advocating for energy laws, regulations, and infrastructure development decisions to maximally benefit Tribes and Indigenous communities.
As the U.S. rapidly expands both renewable and non-renewable energy infrastructure, the protection of Tribal cultural resources has never been more urgent. Large-scale energy projects—such as transmission lines and utility-scale renewable energy installations—frequently span vast distances, crossing Tribal lands, sacred sites, and culturally significant areas. To safeguard these resources for future generations, it is critical that renewable energy expansion, whether on Tribal or non-Tribal lands, is informed and led by Tribal leadership.
Sovereign Energy provides strategic support, resources, and connections to help Tribes effectively engage in legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes. Our goal is to create a policy landscape where Tribal-led energy solutions, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship are central to decision-making at all levels of government.
