Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5635

Caption

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 with respect to the Department of Energy Tribal loan guarantee program, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, SB5635 would facilitate greater opportunities for Indian Tribes in securing financial backing for energy initiatives, which remains a critical challenge for many tribal governments. By allowing the Department of Energy to utilize appropriated funds for technical support related to loan applications, the bill would streamline the accessibility of funding for projects that might otherwise struggle to meet the stringent requirements of typical loan programs. This amendment could lead to a significant reduction in barriers for Tribes seeking to engage in renewable energy projects and a wider implementation of sustainable practices.

Summary

SB5635, titled the 'Tribal Energy Fairness Act of 2024', seeks to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 specifically concerning the Department of Energy's Tribal loan guarantee program. The bill aims to empower Indian Tribes by providing them with enhanced access to funding and support for energy projects. This includes provisions for financial and technical assessments to help Tribes qualify for loans and guarantees, particularly on or near tribal land. Such a focus reflects an urgency to boost energy resilience and sustainability within tribal communities, which could lead to increased energy autonomy and development of renewable energy sources.

Contention

Notable points of contention may stem from the perceived implications of financial assistance programs on governance and independence in energy development. Critics might argue that such guarantees could lead to dependency on federal support or affect the sovereignty of the Tribes in how they manage and implement these energy projects. Additionally, the bill could face resistance from groups advocating for a more competitive market framework for energy generation, arguing that federal interventions might stifle innovation. Overall, the discussions surrounding SB5635 highlight the complexities of supporting tribal energy initiatives within the equity and sustainability frameworks of national energy policies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB5625

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the Clean School Bus program, and for other purposes.

US HB10520

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the Clean School Bus program, and for other purposes.

US SB5597

A bill to amend the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to improve community outreach, public participation, and the consideration of community and environmental impacts with respect to the issuance of a license under that Act, and for other purposes.

US HB10437

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the guaranteed issue of Medigap policies to all Medigap-eligible Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare Advantage enrollees, and for other purposes.

US SB1181

Tribal Energy Fairness Act of 2025

US HB10529

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.

US HB10173

To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize grants for toxic substances remediation in schools, to reauthorize healthy high-performance schools, and for other purposes.

US SB5629

A bill to support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.

US SB5636

A bill to ensure progress toward the fulfillment by the Federal Government of its trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans and Tribal governments, and for other purposes.

US HB10508

To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to support the responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects, establish the Offshore Power Administration, and for other purposes.

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