Biomass: Government Programs and Tribal Incentives

Existing government programs and tribal incentives relevant to a biomass energy and biofuel development, with links to appropriate Web sites that describe these programs in detail.

DOI Division of Energy and Mineral Development

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Division of Energy and Minerals Development (DEMD), provides engineering support, economic advice, and technical assistance to Indian landowners seeking to manage and develop their energy and mineral resources. This includes supporting tribes in developing effective energy and mineral development strategies, assisting tribes during Indian Mineral Development Act negotiations, providing technical data and interpretations for exploration and development of resources, and managing and maintaining existing Indian energy and mineral data. For more information and assistance, contact the DEMD at (303) 969-5270, review the DEMD summary, or visit the DEMD Web site.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The objective of the ARRA is to foster improved energy efficiency and increased production and use of renewable energy sources through grants and loans for special projects and indirectly through tax incentives. The American Recovery Web page describes the administration's program and includes a page specifically about Indian Tribal News.

DOE Tribal Energy Program

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Tribal Energy Program promotes tribal energy sufficiency and economic growth by providing financial, technical, and educational assistance to tribes for the evaluation and development of renewable energy resources.

EPA RePowering America's Land Initiative

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) RePowering America's Land Initiative encourages renewable energy development on suitable contaminated lands and mining sites. Maps and financial incentive sheets provide information about opportunities for renewable energy development on contaminated lands and mining sites in all 50 states. The EPA has also been authorized to administer a $10 million dollar grant program, the Climate Showcase Communities Grant, to assist local and tribal governments in establishing and implementing climate change initiatives. The overall goal of the program is to create replicable models of sustainable community action that generate cost-effective and persistent greenhouse gas reductions while improving the environmental, economic, public health, or social conditions in a community.

U.S. Department of Agriculture REAP Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants fund rural energy systems, including renewable energy developments, that will benefit agricultural operators (farmers and ranchers) and small businesses in rural areas. Eligible entities include State, tribal, or local governments, institutions of higher education, rural electric cooperatives, and public power entities. Grants are applied for through USDA's Rural Development State Offices. The USDA Rural Development Web site posts notices announcing the request for applications.

The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO)

The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) coordinates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-wide effort to strengthen public health and environmental protection in Indian country, with a special emphasis on helping tribes administer their own environmental programs.

Denali Commission

The Denali Commission provides critical utilities, infrastructure, and economic support through interagency and private sector cooperation in Alaska. The Energy Program funds alternative-renewable energy projects.

State-by-State Guide to Renewable Energy Incentive Programs

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Web site was developed and is maintained by the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) with funding from DOE.