Environmental reports and case studies regarding tribal oil and gas production.
The following table provides access to environmental reports (e.g., environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, records of decision) and case studies for oil and gas production undertaken by tribes. You may search the entire repository of relevant reports and case studies by document type, energy resource, project location, and/or tribe using tools provided in the Document Library.
The following Web sites provide access to repositories of environmental reports and case studies for a wide variety of energy projects, including tribal and non-tribal projects and projects involving other types of energy resources.
Southern Ute Exploration & Production Operator's Compliance Manual
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Department of Energy has created a guidance manual for exploration and production (E&P) operators who are planning an oil and gas development project. The manual provides guidance on on the processes for obtaining authorization to drill an oil and gas well and right-of-way (ROW) easements and surface leases on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. It also provides stormwater, air permit, and spill response compliance guidance for operators. The manual is available on the agency Web site along with other linked resources.
The Crow Reservation and Coalbed Methane
Information about coalbed methane development issues is available in a case study evaluating such development on the Crow Reservation in the Powder River Basin. This Web site is maintained by the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College.
Environmental Studies Repositories
A number of organizations maintain repositories of environmental impact statements (EISs) and environmental assessments (EAs), some of which are specific to energy development on tribal lands.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Impact Statement Database provides a searchable listing of draft and final EISs which have been submitted to them (searchable by keyword in title, publication date, agency, and state). The EPA does not provide a copy of the document itself, but information regarding summaries of EPA comments can be obtained at the Web site.
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of the General Counsel provides lists and links to various DOE NEPA Documents (draft and final EISs, EAs, supporting documents, and supplemental analyses) prepared by the agency.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission eLibrary provides a search menu to find EAs, EISs, environmental studies, and a full range of supporting documentation prepared by the agency.
